Just two series wound up being played on Thursday night after the T-Wolves Gaming series was postponed and the Cavs Legion GC vs. Celtics Crossover Gaming matchup was postponed with the Celtics leading 1-0. Nonetheless, the night had no shortage of excitement.
Bucks Gaming def. Jazz Gaming 2-1
What Went Right
I sent this text out while watching Regg last night: “Regg should have gone top 3, maybe No. 1.” I know there was controversy surrounding his pre-draft interviews and blah blah blah: this kid is so good at 2K, I’m drafting him no matter what. Whether he’s scoring the basketball or creating opportunities for his teammates to do so, the Bucks Gaming point guard is a game-changer. Last night, Regg hit clutch basket after clutch basket, posting 48 points and a game winning and-1 to send this series to a third contest. In the series decider, he went for a casual 26 points and 20 assists on 67% shooting while recording just 2 turnovers. Elite.
What Went Wrong
I’m not even sure anything went wrong for Utah. Yeah, the defense allowed more points than we’re used to seeing, but it truly was just Regg’s night. I don’t think there was a defense in the world stopping that kid last night, and unfortunately that was the task given to Utah. Both losses were within reach, but time and time again it wasn’t a Jazz Gaming player who’d step up in the clutch, it was Regg. Even when the team did draw up a play to perfection, seemingly forcing overtime, Regg simply answered with a game-winner of his own. Just nothing Comp and his team could do last night.
X-Factor: Arooks
Arooks looked like the scoring guard we all grew accustomed to watching when he ranked top 5 in points per game last season. Last night, Arooks made the most of his opportunities, often greening his open looks while extending a Bucks Gaming lead. The Bucks shooting guard recorded double digits in all three matchups and was a sniper from deep, hitting 13/17 shots from range.
Grizz Gaming def. Blazer5 Gaming 2-1
What Went Right
When Vandi gets going for Grizz Gaming, it’s a scary sight. The second-year point guard turned in a pair of entertaining showings during the team’s wins, including 38 points and 11 assists on 83% shooting while limiting his turnovers to just two in game three. In addition, AuthenticAfrican not only held MamaImDatMan in check most of the night, but also averaged 17 points per game himself. With all momentum swung in their favor, Memphis has put themselves in perfect position to steal a playoff spot.
What Went Wrong
If MamaImDatMan isn’t using the east coast-west coast server as an excuse, then neither am I. The former MVP struggled to find his shot last night, shooting 5/17 while uncharacteristically hitting just one three-point attempt in game one. There was no question that the team performed better on their own host, even winning game two, but it took a fourth quarter comeback to do so. With a record below .500, Portland is dangerously close to being solely reliant on the Ticket to keep its playoff hopes alive.
X-Factor: Depth
It’s absolutely not up for debate, Blazer5 rosters two of the best players in this league. If you make a top-5 point guard list, or a top-5 center list, both Mama and Walnut will make their way on there. The issue is, and has become increasingly evident with each game played, you need quality players one through five to win games this year. Portland just doesn’t have that right now.
