It’s NBA 2K League Finals week, and so who better to ask about the Finals than a collection of NBA 2K League players and coaches?
Cody Parrent, Pacers Gaming Director of Esports: I think it’s 50/50, honestly. In the matchups from one to five on both sides, every guy is great at something and they all come together to play exceptionally well together. The most exciting thing—which is why I think this is 50/50—is that when you go down the line and look at every player, they all do something great, something exceptional, whether it’s Radiant being one of the best point guards in the league, TURNUPDEFENSE being one of the best locks in the league; when they come together as a collective unit they’re two of the best teams in the league.
ToXsiK, Magic Gaming: All around I think it’s a great matchup. If I had to say who I think would win I’d give the slight edge to the 76ers, simply because they’ve been here before. Winning multiple banners and making a playoff run last year, they’re hungry. It also helps when you have who I believe is the best player in this matchup in Radiant on your side.
But on the flip side, the T-Wolves are the hottest team in the league right now, their whole team has bought in and they play behind Bear’s confidence and that’s a scary sight. It will be exciting to see how the 76ers adjust to the T-Wolves’ unique style of offense and if the T-Wolves can stop Radiant and the run that he’s on. Watch out for JMoney to be the X-factor
Mootyy, Lakers Gaming: I told my teammates when the playoffs were set that I had the T-Wolves going all the way. I had them from the jump and I’m not going back on it. They have had the most momentum and have been playing as the underdog with nothing to lose. The 76ers are a solid and well-balanced team but I can’t go against my initial pick.
I just like how much swagger T-Wolves plays with. Bear is an absolute dog and great leader. I said before the draft as well that I thought the Kings should and would get him at No. 3 but they didn’t. I thought he would’ve been the best pick there because of his strong personality and he’s always been a consistently solid overall player.
JMoney is also an extremely underrated versatile player. I had him as one of my top overall players going into the draft and was very shocked with how far he slipped in the draft. The pick and roll defense between TURNUPDEFENSE and Feast also has been underrated. You can tell that they just really click together and their communication is great. JoJo has become the ultimate role player as well, he has adapted and adjusted to any role the team needed and has always had great energy. You need guys like that to compete. Nacho has also been a great 6th man. He isn’t selfish and only cares about the team needs. I think how much of an impact a 6th man can make off the court for team chemistry is overlooked.
This team has all the pieces and is the real deal. This team reminds me of the old 2K17 ThrowDown team and that’s why I like them a lot. They aren’t necessarily the most skilled team going into every game, but they can win games solely off the chemistry they formed. They all bought into a system and and play for each other. They play together which is rare in this league. I got them in four games.
Patrick Crossan, Wizards District Gaming head coach: I think an underplayed storyline right now is Feast playing against his former team for a championship. So I’m excited to see how that unfolds and really just excited to watch two of the best teams this season. This isn’t going to be a cakewalk for either team. I could easily see this going four or five games.
Dayfri, Wizards District Gaming: I just think you can’t bet against the 76ers right now. Even though the T-Wolves have been playing out of their minds, I just think the defense of the 76ers will be too much for them. Especially if the 76ers win that first home game, because Radiant on the away side is the best player in the world right now.
Deedz, Jazz Gaming: I’m taking the Sixers, because I feel they are the most solid team, and it’s no surprise their starting 5 from last year are all in the finals this year. I wouldn’t say any matchup is particularly exciting but I’m interested to see how Newdini responds to the T-Wolves’ 5-Out, and on the other end I’m interested to see if TURNUPDEFENSE and Feast can give the Sixers’ great pick and roll offense trouble.
Adam Rubin, Pistons GT general manager: This year’s finals are interesting because you have the 76ers with four players coming back into the same system they played in last year going up against a first-year team with two rookies leading the charge. It’s going to be interesting to see who takes the second/third game in whether it’s going to set up a reverse sweep or whether we will see a 3-0 sweep in the Finals, continuing the trend we’ve been seeing so far in the playoffs this year.
Strainer, Cavs Legion GC: Honestly, I don’t know who will win, both teams are playing so well together it’s really hard to predict. There are multiple things that excite me about this matchup though. I want to see how the Sixers rotate against the T-Wolves’ awkward offense. I also can’t wait to see the trash talk between the teams, a lot of emotion is going to be out there and we’ll see who wants it straight out of game one. Also, I want to see how TURNUPDEFENSE and Newdini stick with Radiant and Bear, respectively. Those guys have played so well all season, yet they don’t get the credit they deserve because they take a lesser role.
AuthenticAfrican, Grizz Gaming: I think the 76ers will win it all, because they will be more ready for the moment since they’ve won big games and competed in a bunch of big moments. The most exciting aspect of the Finals has to be the matchup between Bear and Radiant at point guard.
PaulB, Wizards District Gaming: I think Philly will win, because the T-Wolves will not be able to stop Radiant for five games. I have Philly winning in four. The most exciting aspect of this matchup is seeing how Bear plays against Breadwinner and knowing that there will be some great trash talk from both sides.
