Grizz Gaming drops first game in franchise history

Grizz Gaming dropped its first game in franchise history Thursday with a 74-62 decision against Celtics Crossover Gaming at the NBA 2K League Studio Powered by Intel in New York City.

The big men stole the show in this one, with both centers leading the way for each team. Grizz center Mehyar Ahmed-Hassan (AuthenticAfrican) led all scorers with 31 of Grizz Gaming’s 62 points (15-20 FG) to go with a team-high 10 rebounds. Devon Peek (ARS0NAL x) scored 30 points (13-20 FG) and collected a game-high 16 rebounds.

Celtics Crossover assisted on 27 of its 32 made field goals, with 23 alone coming from point guard Albano Thomallari (oFAB) who also poured in 14 points.

After Grizz Gaming went on a 6-0 run to tie the game at six early, Celtics Crossover responded with a 10-0 run of its own to pull ahead and take a 20-13 lead after the opening period. Grizz Gaming, however, clawed its way back to a four-point deficit (32-28) at halftime.

Celtics Crossover then took control in the second half. Much like the team’s earlier run, turnovers that led to fastbreak points along with the one-two punch of oFAB and ARS0NAL x signaled Grizz Gaming’s demise as the team from Boston entered the final period up 62-40. Grizz Gaming cut it to 64-55 late, but an oFAB three all but sealed the deal.

Troy Minott II (T H R E A T) posted a double-double (14 points, 12 assists) for Grizz Gaming to go with three steals. Antonio Saldivar (UniversalPhenom) added 12 points, six rebounds and four assists. For Celtics Crossover, Ahmed Kasana (MELO EAST) totaled 20 points on 9-of-14 shooting.

Grizz Gaming plays the remainder of its pool play matchups tomorrow, May 4, beginning with Heat Check Gaming at 3 p.m. The action continues in the evening with a 7 p.m. matchup against Pacers Gaming and a 9 p.m. matchup to conclude Group D Play against Mavs Gaming and number one overall pick Artreyo Boyd (Dimez).