Red Bull Half Court staged its 2024 World Finals at Brooklyn Bridge Park from October 18 through October 20. National finalists from 21 countries played fast, half-court basketball against the Manhattan skyline, with Japan winning the women's championship and Serbia defeating the United States for the men's title.
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What to Know
Three Days of Competition
The United States national final opened the program October 18. World group play followed October 19, and the knockout rounds and championship games concluded the event October 20.
A Compressed Basketball Format
Teams used three players and one substitute on a half court with one basket. Games lasted 10 minutes or ended when a team reached 21 points, while a 12-second shot clock kept possessions brief.
Japan Won the Women's Title
Japan defeated the Philippines in the women's final. The result completed a tournament that placed national styles and small-team decision-making under unusually concentrated pressure.
Serbia Won the Men's Title
Serbia defeated the United States in the men's championship. The final joined one of three-on-three basketball's established powers with the host country's national winner.
The Court Was Also an Artwork
Project Backboard and Red Bull selected a design by C De La Cruz Rodriguez, known as C, through a regional competition. MAPEI's Mapecoat TNS system translated the design into the playing surface.
The Waterfront Changed the Spectacle
Brooklyn Bridge Park placed the tournament outdoors within an 85-acre public landscape. Free, ticketed attendance and the Manhattan skyline gave the event the character of both a world championship and a civic gathering.