Team Havoc crowned champions at the Clippers’ City of Stars 3v3 finals. Courtesy of Sheldon Bailey
Team Havoc, featuring Sheldon Bailey, Donald Lee, Kenny Barnes, and Damani Washington, won the LA Clippers’ 3v3 City of Stars All‑Star Alliance Tournament, supported by Sprite, after a run staged across Southern California.
The circuit’s finals landed at Intuit Dome on January 31, 2026, and the incentive stayed clear from the opening round to the last possession: division winners earned an official invitation to NBA All-Star Weekend 2026.
In a 3v3 format that punishes hesitation, Havoc’s edge was connectivity. The team played with urgency, but not panic, and the result reads like a simple sentence that never is in this game: champions.
View this post on Instagram
A Name With Meaning
Team Havoc is named after Havoc Content, the company led by producer and owner Leslie Harro.
After the win, Harro described what it felt like to see her company name attached to players who had fought every step of the way.
“I struggle all the time and continue to work very hard. It does not always go the way we hope. You fall, you get back up, Harro shared with IdleMedia.Chat.
“So, when you see your name connected to someone doing something incredible—someone who’s fought hard, fallen, gotten back up, and risen—it’s an honor, and it continues to inspire us to continue our work.”
Beyond The Trophy
Harro framed Havoc as bigger than a single event, a brand built around teaching, mentorship, and opportunity. Her point holds in sports because the best local competitions do the same: they create a place to learn, fail, and return sharper.
“Because of that, I’ve always envisioned Havoc as more of an incubator, a lifestyle brand, and a voice within our industry—one that stands for fairness, humanity, and creating at the highest level
While still making space for everyone. There’s no formal education for what we do, so over the years we’ve built our own infrastructure—systems that support learning, mentorship, and growth,” said Harro.
“That vision comes most clearly through how we invest in people. It’s not just about the work we make, but the environments we create and the support systems we build around those Coming up behind us. We focus on giving people a place to show up as their higher self, whether that’s uplifting young Latina women or having mentors like Sheldon working with young Black men in the arts or sports. It’s about elevating voices.”
The Editorial Point
The City of Stars tournament worked because it respected players with structure and stakes. Supported by Sprite and finished at Intuit Dome, it put a real stage on a local run, then tied that run to the NBA All‑Star experience through ticket rewards.
Team Havoc met the moment with teamwork and composure. In a game that can swing on one possession, they stayed connected long enough to make the last one theirs.
The Question and Answers Between Team Havoc and Idle Chatter
Idle Chatter: You showed a lot of leadership on the court. How intentional were you about setting the tone for the team?
Kenny “Snipe” Barnes: I was very intentional about it. I know the energy I bring can affect the whole team, so I made it a point to lead by example whether that was communicating, staying locked in on defense, supporting the bench or encouraging guys when things got tough. I wanted to set a tone of effort, accountability, and togetherness, and let everyone know we were going to compete with every possession.
Idle Chatter: Was there a specific play or sequence where you felt the championship was within reach?
Kenny “Snipe” Barnes: Yes. When I did an awesome crossover on my defender to break my opponent ankles. This when I knew we had it.
Idle Chatter: In a fast-paced tournament like this, how important was trust among teammates?
Kenny “Snipe” Barnes: Trust was everything. In a fast-paced tournament, there’s no time to overthink it you have to believe your teammates will be in the right spots and make the right plays.
That trust let us play freely, move the ball, communicate, and stay composed under pressure. Knowing we had each other’s backs made a huge difference, especially in tight moments.
What did you learn about yourself as a competitor over the weekend? I learned that hard work pays off…
Idle Chatter: How does this victory motivate you moving forward, both on and off the court?
Kenny “Snipe” Barnes: This victory gives me a lot of confidence and motivation moving forward. On the court, it shows that the work we put in pays off and pushes me to keep improving and raising my level. Off the court, it reinforces the importance of discipline, leadership, and staying focused on my goals. It motivates me to keep setting the standard and chasing bigger opportunities ahead.
Idle Chatter: 3v3 basketball often comes down to toughness and shot-making. What part of the challenge excited you the most?
Damani Washington: What excited me the most was the championship rounds, the competitiveness the teams showed the last rounds of each day. I enjoyed how quickly we were able to adapt defensively as well.
Idle Chatter: How did the energy from the crowd and the Clippers platform elevate your performance?
Damani Washington: The energy from the crowd was awesome everyone tuned in to intense battles. At the Intuit Dome the energy was even more intense, this kept me sharp defensively.
Idle Chatter: What was the biggest adjustment you had to make to thrive in this format?
Damani Washington: My personal biggest adjustment was sitting back and being a strong soldier for my team. I am used to being a team leader however with this team I have a role and position to play with mindset like that I feel we can always thrive.
Idle Chatter: Championships are built on moments — what moment from the weekend will stick with you the longest?
Damani Washington: The moment I remembered from this weekend was the resilience and patience my teammates showed when things had got tight. They actually over executed the mission. You can only do that with strong character!
Idle Chatter: If this tournament was a statement, what message do you think your team sent by winning it?
Damani Washington: If this tournament was a statement, I think our team sent the message that we’re disciplined, connected, and ready to compete at a high level. In a 3v3 battles , there’s no hiding every possession demands communication, effort, and basketball IQ. Winning it showed that we trust each other, execute under pressure, and take pride in doing the little things right. It wasn’t just about talent it was about toughness, chemistry, and playing the right way, which reflects the culture we’re building as Clippers.
Idle Chatter: Every championship team needs someone willing to do the dirty work. What role did you embrace most during this run?
Donald Lee: I take pride in doing the dirty work because it helps win games and makes the offense flow much better.
I enjoy playing defense against the best player to limit options from the opposing team and lower their morale. I also make sure I try to get every rebound!
Idle Chatter: What adjustment did your team make that you feel changed the course of the tournament?
Donald Lee: I believe with our team it was more of capitalizing on the mismatches.
We were the bigger team most of the time. So whoever was guarded by the smallest defender we went there every single time and rolled with that.
Idle Chatter: How different is the pressure of a 3v3 setting compared to traditional 5-on-5 competition?
Donald Lee: 3v3 can be more intense because it requires more accountability from your teammates.
Each possession is crucial. When playing defense, every stop is important. I love that feeling!
Idle Chatter: There were a lot of eyes on this event. How did you manage the spotlight and stay focused on the moment?
Donald Lee: Well, the guys on our team have played college and pro basketball so playing in front of a crowd is not a big deal for us. It only makes us play stronger.
Idle Chatter: What does this win say about the depth of talent in this group beyond the final score?
Donald Lee: I would say that because we have this experience and we play with and for each other, it makes us dangerous both offensively and defensively.
Idle Chatter: When the final game ended and you realized you were champions, what was the first emotion that hit you?
Sheldon Bailey: I felt confident we’d win. But when Kenny wrapped the ball around the guy and made him turn then dropped the dime to Donald for the lay up, that’s when I knew it was done done. I was happy to win and excited to do it in a fun fashion.
Idle Chatter: 3v3 basketball demands quick decisions and constant communication. What part of your game translated best to this format?
Sheldon Bailey: Our team and I thrive on versatility. Being able to switch everything defensively. Being able to run guard and post up big. I’m more of a facilitator and the voice of the team, but they know I can get buckets as well.
There were moments where momentum could’ve swung either way — what kept you locked in during the toughest stretches?
Sheldon Bailey: When teams make a run, we don’t panic. We lock down, get stops, take care of the basketball, and do what we do best on offense.
Idle Chatter: How did the chemistry between you, Kenny, Donald, and Damani develop over the course of the tournament?
Sheldon Bailey: I’ve been rocking with Donald and Kenny for years. Damani is the new guy and the youngest. We needed his youth and energy. Donald and I have won championships in Mexico, here in LA, and even a national championship in another sport, Australian Rules Football. Understand, he and I are two warriors. I have all the faith in him. KB, that’s my dawg, Snipe. That’s what he does, he’s a basketball assassin.
Idle Chatter: What does winning a Clippers-backed event in a city like Los Angeles mean to you personally?
Sheldon Bailey: I love LA. I love Inglewood. I love winning and representing where I’m at and where I’m from. I came from NC about 20 years ago and I’ve been winning championships in LA ever since then. It give me pride and says a lot about my work ethic and longevity. I went and celebrated at the barbershop up the street called Dapperz. They know me around the neighborhood. It feels good to do something good here in the community.
About the Author
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
