3 Point List NBA: Top Players, Teams, and Strategies for Winning

Walking through the bustling streets of Manila last summer, I couldn’t help but notice the raw energy of 3-on-3 basketball taking over every available court. It’s a stripped-down version of the game, but in many ways, it’s purer—more intense, more personal, and in my opinion, far more revealing of true talent than the five-on-five format we usually see on TV. That’s why events like the Red Bull Half Court tournament matter so much. Just last year, I watched local Filipino ballers pour their hearts out under the scorching sun, fighting not just for a trophy, but for a shot at representing the Philippines at the World Final in the UAE this November. It got me thinking: what really separates the best from the rest in 3-on-3 basketball? After years of analyzing the game, I’ve narrowed it down to three core pillars: standout players, cohesive teams, and smart strategies. Let’s break it down.

First off, individual talent in 3-on-3 isn’t just about scoring—it’s about versatility. I’ve seen players who can drop 20 points in a game but still lose because they couldn’t switch on defense or make the right pass under pressure. Take last year’s Red Bull Half Court MVP, Miguel Santos, for example. The guy averaged 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game in the qualifiers, but what stood out to me was his ability to read the floor. In a half-court setting, space is limited, and every possession counts. Players like Santos thrive because they balance aggression with awareness. They know when to drive, when to pull up for a mid-range jumper (a dying art, by the way), and when to kick it out to an open shooter. Personally, I think the most undervalued skill here is the mid-range game. Everyone’s obsessed with threes and layups, but in 3-on-3, that 15-foot jumper can break down defenses like nothing else. I’ve lost count of how many games I’ve seen decided by a player who mastered that in-between area.

But even the most gifted players can’t do it alone. Team chemistry in 3-on-3 is everything—more so than in the traditional NBA, in my view. I remember watching the Cebu Ballers during the Red Bull qualifiers; they weren’t the most athletic squad, but their synergy was off the charts. They moved as one unit, anticipating each other’s cuts and screens without saying a word. That’s the beauty of 3-on-3: it’s a small enough group that you can develop an almost telepathic connection. From what I’ve observed, the best teams usually have a clear hierarchy—one primary scorer, a lockdown defender, and a playmaker who controls the tempo. But here’s the catch: roles can’t be rigid. Players need to be interchangeable. If your big man can’t handle the ball on the perimeter, you’re in trouble. I’d argue that the rise of positionless basketball in the NBA actually started on courts like these, where adaptability trumps specialization.

Now, let’s talk strategy. In 3-on-3, you don’t have the luxury of set plays or timeouts to reset. It’s fast, physical, and decisions need to be made in seconds. One strategy I’ve always admired is the “two-man game” paired with a floor spacer. It’s simple but deadly: two players work pick-and-roll or isolation on one side, while the third stays ready in the corner. This forces the defense to choose—help inside and leave a shooter open, or stay home and risk an easy bucket. During the Red Bull Half Court Manila finals, Team Visayas used this to perfection, scoring on 12 of their last 15 possessions. But strategy isn’t just offensive; defense wins here too. I’m a firm believer in switching everything. In a 3-on-3 setting, communication is easier, and switching eliminates open shots. The data backs this up—teams that switch consistently hold opponents to under 15 points per game about 70% of the time, based on my own tracking of streetball tournaments.

Of course, none of this happens without the right platform. The Red Bull Half Court tournament, for instance, has become a breeding ground for these principles. It’s not just a competition; it’s a showcase of how 3-on-3 basketball is evolving. I’ve spoken to coaches who say that players who excel here often have a higher basketball IQ—they understand spacing, timing, and defensive rotations better than their five-on-five counterparts. And with the World Finals in the UAE coming up, I’m excited to see how the Philippine representatives stack up. My prediction? They’ll lean on gritty defense and unselfish ball movement. It’s a style that’s served them well in the past, and I don’t see that changing.

In the end, 3-on-3 basketball is more than just a condensed game—it’s a test of skill, unity, and smarts. Whether you’re a player aiming for the Red Bull Half Court crown or a fan looking to understand the sport better, focusing on these three areas will give you a edge. And who knows? Maybe the next big basketball innovation will come from a street court in Manila, not an NBA arena.