LEON (Mexico) - The fifth edition of the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup more than lived up to the hype after the showpiece continental event lit up Leon on November 27-30.
Here are the things we learned from the four-day spectacle.
Double gold for USA
To the surprise of no one, mighty USA cemented their status as the continent's undisputed 3x3 force with double gold in Leon. The men's defended their title to lift the trophy for the fourth time, while the women overcame last year's heartbreak to win their third title.
The men's team had a new look with bucket getter Cameron Forte joining forces with a trio who have done it all before. In his USA debut, Forte was unstoppable in the paint and deservedly walked off with the MVP after scoring a team-high 34 points, including 8 in the final against Puerto Rico.
This may have been USA's most dominant triumph as they breezed through to the final having barely raised a sweat. USA were made to work against Puerto Rico - the only country other than the Americans to win an AmeriCup - in a rematch of last year's final.
But they flexed their muscles to once again prove that the USA remains the standard in the Americas.
It was double delight with the women's team also going undefeated. Like their male counterparts, USA romped through to the final but had the fight of their lives against rival and defending champs Canada.
Having lost a heartbreaker in OT last year, USA exacted revenge with an epic 21-19 dub that will be remembered fondly forever. OG Allisha Gray was back with a vengeance and took home the MVP, with the smooth-mover stepping up on the big stage with 9 points in the final. It was her latest accolade on the half-court having achieved immortality by winning the first women's Olympic 3x3 gold medal in Tokyo.
Canada's women fight to the end
It was almost written in the stars that Canada would end up facing foe USA in the final. Once again it was a classic but this time around there was no 'Oh Canada' being sung at the end of the night.
Canada, however, should still feel mightily pleased with their efforts after again showing they are neck and neck with the USA in the women's game. Katherine Plouffe added to her legacy after being named on the Team of the Tournament while last year's MVP Paige Crozon was a walking bucket throughout.
Having started the year by winning the inaugural Champions Cup, Canada finished off in style - even though they didn't go all the way - in another fine season for one of 3x3's GOATs.
Puerto Rico are a power in the Americas
While the USA are the undisputed top dog, Puerto Rico are clearly No.2 in the Americas after this gritty men's team medaled for the fourth straight time. But they had to do it the hard way with three of their wins en route to the final by three or less points.
Puerto Rico, however, showed their pedigree by coming up big in the clutch, largely thanks to sniper Antonio Ralat who finished with a leading 46 points. Ralat underlined why he is one of the best when the game is on the line with a lights out display and he had plenty of help from newcomer Michael Wesley who starred on debut.
Puerto Rico proved the only serious challenger to USA and, while they fell short, these determined ballers made their country proud.
Brazil's brilliant women do it again
Five AmeriCups, five medals for Brazil in the women's competition. They kept their proud record intact for the second straight tournament after edging Puerto Rico 17-16 in the bronze medal game.
It was a reward for Brazil who have proven time and again that they are an Americas powerhouse. Legendary Luana de Souza once again was the talismanic force for her country and she received plenty of support from her teammates in an even performance.
Brazil still do dream of winning coveted gold - ending the stranglehold of USA and Canada - but they are clearly part of a ' Big Three' in the Americas.
Leon was lit
For the first time, the AmeriCup went outside of the USA and Puerto Rico with Mexico stepping up. The beautiful city of Leon, the most populous city in Guanajuato, etched itself in competition lore with outstanding hosting duties marked by passionate fans.
The Catedral de Leon proved an amazing site and we just can't wait to return. Adios!
FIBA