Mavs Gaming continued its strong season, Grizz Gaming picked up an upset win over the defending champs, Knicks Gaming climbed over .500 and NetsGC got back on track in the first night of games in week six.
Mavs Gaming def. Pistons GT 2-0
Pistons GT made some significant lineup changes, straying away from its recent double-lock gameplan. DevGoss moved off of his two-way finisher in favor of a shot-creating sharpshooter, while Ramo went back to center, the position where we all grew to know and love the big man. Ramo dropped a triple game one and the defense made key plays to keep this one within striking distance, but questionable shot selection down the stretch prevented Detroit’s comeback. The Pistons were competitive again in game two, but Dallas made plays when they needed to, while Detroit didn’t take full advantage. Pistons GT certainly didn’t envision dropping six out of seven matchups to start its season, but that’s where it finds itself. The team takes on Bucks Gaming on Friday.
The Mavs were certainly tested tonight, but in the end, Dallas was able to close out both games in crunch time and complete the sweep. Sherm went off for 40 points while dishing out 7 dimes in game one. In game two the backcourt duo Dimez (21) and Sherm (28) split Dallas’ scoring duties. Dimez didn’t miss from deep and shot 73% from the field while adding to his already extensive highlight reel, helping improve Mags Gaming to 6-2.
Knicks Gaming def. Magic Gaming 2-1
The story of the night for Magic Gaming was really how much Reizey struggled to shoot and take care of the ball. The 2019 Rookie of the Year shot 18% from deep on 38 attempts, while turning the rock over 22 times. Defenses are often able to key in on the Orlando point guard as other Magic players haven’t been able to consistently contribute offensively. Magic Gaming falls to 1-5 on the season with plenty of question marks surrounding the squad. Its playoff spot may come to whether or not it can steal a tournament, with its first opportunity being the Tipoff next week.
Knicks Gaming has quietly strung together a winning streak of three series. A huge reason behind its recent success has been Duck’s elevated level of play. Tonight the rookie went off 41 points in game one as the Knicks shot Orlando out of the virtual gym, winning by 37 (!) points. The team failed to carry that momentum all the way through game two, losing the final frame 20-10. But New York bounced back, winning game three by 21 behind 63 combined points from their talented backcourt duo Malik and Duck. With an improved record of 5-4, Knicks Gaming will take off the remainder of week six as we await the new schedule.
Grizz Gaming def. T-Wolves Gaming 2-1
After being steamrolled in game one, Grizz Gaming completed the reverse sweep and defeated Minnesota in a best-of-three series featuring numerous plot twists. It was all T-Wolves Gaming in the first game, including a 24-8 third quarter, ultimately blowing out Memphis by 39 points. The duo of BearDaBeast and Big Saint combined for 63 points and outscored the entire Grizzlies team. Feast also registered a triple-double.
After only scoring 11 in game one, Grizzlies point guard Vandi turned it around early, going perfect from the field in the first quarter and scoring 13 of his team’s 22 points. His aggression opened up passing lanes and created open looks for the rest of his teammates. JRod was only two points away from having every player on the roster finish in double-digit scoring.
In the final game, AuthenticAfrican was dominant defensively, both on and off the ball. He finished with seven steals and made it difficult for T-Wolves Gaming to operate in the half-court. Uncharacteristically, Minnesota would cough up the ball several times in the last few minutes, including a game-sealing turnover down two points in the dying moments of the game.
Minnesota doesn’t have a lot of time to think about this one and will take on Pacers Gaming tonight, while Memphis will now set its eyes on the Tipoff tournament.
NetsGC def. Hawks Talon 2-0
NetsGC secured its third sweep in five nights after defeating Hawks Talon GC. Despite the game two blowout, the series win did not come easy. Brooklyn had to overcome a pair of disconnects—something that has become common during Nets games—and a 50-point outburst from Atlanta’s backcourt of BP and Kel. Choc, the reigning Player of the Week, continued to impose his will on the league, finishing game one with 45 points. Even with a more athletic slashing build, the popular rookie shot over 71% from three.
Meanwhile, the Hawks did not look quite like themselves returning from their bye week. Towards the end of game one, BP coughed up the ball in key possessions down the stretch, which led to easy runaway baskets and sealed Atlanta’s fate. Hawks Talon would go to completely unravel in game two. Atlanta continues to struggle from the outside and has had difficulty containing the fast break.
The Hawks will regroup and continue their season next week in the Tipoff tournament, while the Nets will get a rare day off before taking on Kings Guard Gaming on Thursday night.