Five more series on Wednesday night meant more exciting action, as two more teams clinched while Raptors Uprising GC and Kings Guard Gaming played the game of the season.
Knicks Gaming def. Pacers Gaming 2-0
Game One: 76-59, KNX
Game Two: 71-67, KNX
Top Performer: Duck (31 points, 8 assists per game)
What was old was new again for Pacers Gaming as it made yet another tweak to its lineup, this time going back to the lineup used at the beginning of the season. Unfortunately for Indiana, this wasn’t the answer they were looking for and they were swept by Knicks Gaming. BOHIO wasn’t his best tonight, and also missed a clean look at a game-tying three late in the fourth quarter of game two. Jomar was efficient but, now back at power forward, wasn’t able to impact the game as he did previously. NateKahl was also solid in his return. The Pacers have several talented pieces, but it doesn’t look like they fit together.
Meanwhile, the Knicks were able to win a game they needed to have to remain in the conversation for the final playoff spot. New York will need a lot of help from other teams, but it at least continues to keep itself within striking distance. While Duck struggled with his jumper in game one, the rookie exploded in game two, finishing with 39 points on 68% shooting. New York’s defense let up in the second game, but Duck’s playmaking and cold-blooded scoring prowess helped ice the series.
No Title
Night in Night Out 🤝 https://t.co/qSCp6sxxoR
Blazer5 Gaming def. Cavs Legion GC 2-1
Game One: 67-58, CLG
Game Two: 84-67, B5
Game Three: 80-57, B5
Top Performer: OneWildWalnut (17 points, 20.3 rebounds, 1.7 blocks per game)
Playoffs were on the line this series, and after dropping game one Blazer5 Gaming saw their season flash before their eyes. The 4-0 start, the losing streak that followed, both early tournament exits and all of it would come down to winning the Ticket in order to reach the playoffs. Unless their pair of MVP’s had anything to say about it—and they did.
MamaImDatMan (25.7 points, 10.3 assists per game) and OneWildWalnut caught fire, with each recording double-doubles in the next two games. Portland won handily while evening its record at six wins and losses apiece. Their remaining schedule includes Pistons GT (Friday), T-Wolves Gaming, Wizards District Gaming, and 76ers GC.
Cavs Legion GC stuck with Doza (23.7 points, 5 assists per game) as its starting point guard for the matchup with Blazer5 Gaming. The Cavs dropped two straight contests, ultimately suffering the reverse sweep after playing solid 2K in game one. The loss marks Cleveland’s seventh, so Strainer and co. will have to win out and receive some additional help to re-enter the playoff picture.
No Title
We coming. Man I swear we on the way. Tighten up. It’s time to make this run.
Lakers Gaming def. Heat Check Gaming 2-1
Game One: 67-57, LKG
Game Two: 78-65, HCG
Game Three: 76-64, LKG
Top Performer: Sav (41.3 points, 9 assists per game)
We saw Heat Check Gaming move Shiftay around the starting lineup yet again, but this time he played as the lead ball-handler. As a result, Miami’s rookie first-rounder GlennRatty (25.5 points per game this season) watched from the virtual bench. Shiftay played well in his first starts as an NBA 2K League point guard, averaging 26.7 points and 7 assists per game while committing just three combined turnovers during the first two contests. Unfortunately, the efficiency didn’t keep up and 7 game-three turnovers played a big role in Miami dropping the decisive third contest.
We said it going into this matchup: Sav is undoubtedly LA’s point guard of the future, and last night’s performances just confirmed that. Lakers Gaming earned its third win of the season behind strong play from their No. 7 overall selection. LA moved Mootyy to the small forward spot and Vert back to power forward, while Dweq (12 points, 14 rebounds per game) continues to play well at center. Lakers Gaming’s next matchup brings a bit of a different challenge, as they prepare to take on Raptors Uprising GC tonight.
No Title
SAVAGERY ✊ pic.twitter.com/BzWJlL6d85
Raptors Uprising GC def. Kings Guard Gaming 2-0
Game One: 64-63, RUG
Game Two: 92-89 (2OT), RUG
Top Performer: KennyGotWork (41.5 points, 6 assists per game)
Fourteen (!) straight regular-season series wins now for Raptors Uprising, matching Blazer5’s record from last season. Insanity. Kings Guard Gaming has fought like crazy the last couple of times these two team have matched up: the TURN series didn’t disappoint, and while this one didn’t go three games, we received a classic double-overtime clash in game two. KennyGotWork went on a personal 8-0 run as time wound down in the second overtime period, and while Sacramento made a run (yet again), Raptors Uprising GC staved off the gritty group and their record remains flawless.
Don’t let that 2-0 sweep fool you, Kings Guard Gaming (once again) gave Raptors Uprising GC absolute hell. The Yusuf-Dat Boy Shotz frontcourt duo continues to be dominant, no matter which way they’re used. Bash seemed to score almost every time his team needed him, but Sacramento fell just shy of knocking off Raptors Uprising yet again. Despite suffering a loss, Kings Guard Gaming officially clinched its 2020 playoff spot. If all is right in the world and we’re lucky, these two square off in the playoffs and give us yet another entertaining series.
No Title
TRADEMARK KENNY pic.twitter.com/6PXgWStz8r
T-Wolves Gaming, Hornets Venom GT
Game One: 68-66, TWG
Game Two: 60-58, HVG
Game Three: 69-65, TWG
Top Performer: Feast (15 points, 17.7 rebounds, 1.7 blocks per game)
T-Wolves Gaming secured a much-needed win tonight as they attempt to avoid going through the Ticket Tournament just to defend their title. Reigning finals MVP BearDaBeast is officially back to his dominating ways at point guard, but it didn’t come easy early in the series. The broadcast noted that it didn’t look like Bear trusted his team during moments in all three games. But late in the series clincher, Bear would find Jojo and JMoney twice for dagger threes. The T-Wolves aren’t out of the woods just yet and for now, they remain in the chase.
For the Hornets, their season has quickly turned into a ticking time bomb and has put the entire organization on red alert. The team finally addressed the elephant in the room and slid Type back into the lineup, moving Zae back to his original spot at the four. And while the Type injected the team with star power and leadership defensively, it wasn’t enough to overcome Minnesota. The good news is that if they can quickly rebuild some of their chemistry, the Hornets should have enough talent to clinch a playoff spot.
No Title
Classic @BearDaBeast23! 💪After grabbing a steal, @iFEAST__ dishes it to the @TWolvesGaming PG for an epic Game 1 #TissotBuzzerBeater! @TISSOT #ThisIsYourTime pic.twitter.com/vgbvpMVE8R