Grizz Gaming falls 3-2 in opening round of THE STEAL OPEN; Focus shifts to 5-on-5 postseason
August 11, 2022
Memphis, Tenn. — Grizz Gaming, the NBA 2K League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies, dropped a best-of-five series to Heat Check Gaming in the opening round of THE STEAL Wednesday night. Grizz Gaming led the series 2-1 but fell in the next two games, bringing the team’s 3-on-3 season to an end.
| Game | Away | Home | Score |
| Game 1 | Heat Check Gaming | Grizz Gaming | W (21-17) |
| Game 2 | Grizz Gaming | Heat Check Gaming | L (20-22) |
| Game 3 | Heat Check Gaming | Grizz Gaming | W (23-20) |
| Game 4 | Grizz Gaming | Heat Check Gaming | L (18-21) |
| Game 5 | Heat Check Gaming | Grizz Gaming | L (19-21) |
Spartxn (Josh McHatten) controlled Game 1 for Grizz Gaming, finishing with 16 points and perfect 8-for-8 shooting in the win. BP (Michael Diaz) tallied 18 points in Game 2, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a game-winning 3-pointer from the Heat to tie the series at 1-1. Memphis shot 91% in Game 3 and Spartxn shot 6-for-6 from the floor to secure the win in Game 3. The Heat outrebounded the Grizz 5-1 in Game 4 to even the series at 2-2.
The series came down to the final possession of Game 5 as the Grizz found themselves leading 19-18 in the race to 21. Grizz Gaming had the ball and a chance to win the game on the final possession, but a turnover led to a 3-pointer on the other end, lifting Heat Check Gaming a 3-2 series victory.
Grizz Gaming’s focus now turns to THE TICKET, which is the final 5v5 single elimination tournament to decide the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Grizz open the first round against familiar foe Hawks Talon Gaming on Friday, Aug. 12, at 9:30 p.m. CT. Fans can watch the game on the NBA 2K League’s Twitch and YouTube channels.
Fans can follow the team on Twitch at twitch.tv/grizzgaming, @grizzgaming on Twitter and Instagram, as well as GrizzliesGaming on Facebook to follow along with the team’s 2022 season.