Hornets Venom GT def. Magic Gaming, 2-0
Game 1: HVG 70-54
Game 2: HVG 54-51
What Went Wrong
For starters, Magic Gaming lost the turnover battle in both games, while also not taking advantage of their homecourt host. Orlando blew a double-digit lead in game two, and I can’t help but stare directly at the 10 turnovers recorded by Reizey. Orlando’s turnovers repeatedly turned into easy transition opportunities for Hornets Venom GT, who had no issue taking advantage especially during the big game two comeback. This was especially disheartening for the Magic, because their defense actually did a good job of limiting Hornets scores in the halfcourt.
What Went Right
Hornets Venom GT was able to collect 20 team steals over the course of two games, often making Orlando ball-handlers uncomfortable. In addition, the backcourt duo of Snubby and Expose scored 26 apiece in the game one victory, and Expose added a signature moment to his resume. Up just one possession with under 20 seconds remaining, Expose greened a free throw line middie, in between three closing out Orlando defenders. While the team wasn’t able to consistently produce offensively, Charlotte’s defense provided the spark they needed en route to a sweep.
X-Factor: Hornets PF Gliz
We saw Gliz quickly slide to the power forward position after playing just one series as the team’s starting center. Tonight, Gliz was a knockdown shooter and solid team defender, scoring in double digits in both contests while shooting 7/13 from three-point range.
Cavs Legion GC def. NetsGC, 2-1
Game 1: NGC 69-63
Game 2: CLG 67-63
Game 3: CLG 68-56
What Went Wrong
There was a lot of talking going on—from both sides—prior to this series and I have no issue with talking trash. Rather, it’s one of the entertaining parts of this league. Mama’s “Freak Show” has added a new element to league content, but NBA 2K League players: stop letting him bait you! Choc declared NetsGC would sweep Cavs Legion GC, and that the Cavs Legion GC roster just wasn’t strong one through five. Boy, was he wrong. Choc, on his signature mid-range specialist, turned in three straight disappointing performances and Brooklyn suffered a reverse sweep.
What Went Right
The main victim of Choc’s trash talking: sharpshooter Doza, who is supposedly one of the worst in the league. After a quiet game one, Doza outscored Brooklyn’s No. 9 selection 46-33 over the final two games. In addition, Strainer continued to be a bucket, averaging 33.6 points in three contests, while constantly finding the open man, and often the open man was Doza. Cleveland’s backcourt enjoyed success all night against the NetsGC defense, and managed to win the series despite going down 0-1.
X-Factor: Godddof2k
Cleveland’s former defensive player of the year was a pest all night, including 7 steals alone in game one and 11 for the series. Over the last two games the lockdown defender held his assignment in check, while his scorers went crazy, paving the way for a Cleveland comeback.
Warriors Gaming Squad def. Hawks Talon GC, 2-0
Game 1: WGS 73-69
Game 2: WGS 89-66
What Went Wrong
We can start with throwing game one down the drain, despite maintaining a lead for the majority of the contest. While the Warriors Gaming inbound steal could be viewed as bad luck for Hawks Talon GC, how about not letting Golden State hang around while they’re playing below their talent level? Atlanta had opportunity after opportunity to extend its lead and never took advantage. After the ending in game one, Hawks Talon seemed disinterested in playing the second contest on the WGS host, and it got out of hand quickly. Back to the lab.
What Went Right
Slow starts have been Golden State’s achilles heel in recent weeks. While game one included another slow start, the team finished the game strongly, forcing OT on an inbound steal and sealing the deal in the extra frame. Game two was the best start we’ve seen from Warriors Gaming Squad in forever, as the team erupted for 54 first half points. Golden State had four players with 17+ points in the second contest. Other than the Raptors, you’d be hard pressed to find a team that’s accomplished that feat even one time this season. Last night marks the end of the Warriors struggles and the team looks forward to its next opportunity: Hornets Venom GT on Wednesday night.
X-Factor: Gradient
Another Raptors Uprising comparison. Name another lockdown that has averaged 30 points for a series. TimelyCook, one. Anybody else? Not a chance. The former No. 2 overall pick was on fire last night, shooting 26-for-35 (77%) while taking on the task of guarding BP all evening.
Raptors Uprising GC def. Heat Check Gaming, 2-0
Game 1: RUG 92-54
Game 2: RUG 80-58
What Went Wrong
Primarily, what went wrong for Heat Check Gaming is simple: the Heat were scheduled to play the hottest team in NBA 2K League history. If we’re talking about actual gameplay, their issues began with their point guard. GlennRatty turned the ball over 16 times in two games while shooting 5/14 from the field in game one’s blowout loss. In addition, Miami’s sharpshooter, Delusion, went 4/17 overall, including a 1/8 performance in the second contest. While Glenn (20 points, 10/14 at halftime) put together a solid first half in game two, the third quarter Raptors showed up and cooled down the Heat quickly.
What Went Right
Not only are the Raptors the best team in the league right now, but they’re polite too: KennyGotWork officially welcomed GlennRatty to the “10 turnover club” on TimelyCook’s post-game periscope last night. What went right? Everything. Even when Kenny got off to a pair of slow starts where he actually looked human, the team surrounding him is so talented, it almost doesn’t matter when the presumptive MVP favorite is having a tough quarter or two. By the way, having two slow starts didn’t stop Kenny from having insane averages: 33 points, 10 assists, 4 steals per game. This team just continues to rewrite the history book.
X-Factor: Three-point scoring (or lack thereof)
Toronto shot 26/39 (67%) as a team last night. Their opponent? 5/24 (21%). Yikes. So, not only did Toronto make double the amount of three-point shots in one game than Miami did in two, but they also did it three times more efficiently. Whew.
