Grizz Gaming knocks off NetsGC behind career-night from ‘Vandi’
July 15, 2020
Grizz Gaming, the NBA 2K League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies, defeated NetsGC (72-80, 64-52, 90-69) in a best-of-three series Wednesday night. With the win, Grizz Gaming improved to 7-6 in regular season play.
The Grizz found themselves down 38-32 early in the third quarter following a slow offensive start. Grizz Gaming trailed 59-50 late in the fourth quarter before exploding on a 14-5 run in the final 2:00 of regulation to send Game 1 into overtime at 64-64. Vandi (Zach Vandivier) tied his previous career-high with 47 points, but it would not be enough as NetsGC escaped with an 80-72 win in the opening game. G O O F Y 7 5 7 (Dayvon Curry) finished one assist short of a double-double with 11 rebounds, nine assists and six points. AuthenticAfrican (Mehyar Ahmed-Hassan) added eight points on 2-of-4 shooting. Choc (Josh Humphries) posted a double-double for Brooklyn’s squad with 31 points, 14 assists and four steals in Game 1.
Grizz Gaming jumped out to early 6-0 lead in Game 2 before settling for 17-14 lead to after the first period. NetsGC took control in the second quarter as they grabbed a 33-28 lead at the halftime break. Memphis’ squad battled back in the third quarter, ending the period on a 7-0 run to take a 46-42 lead into the fourth. The Grizz ripped off a 17-4 run to stretch their lead to 56-44 late in the fourth quarter of Game 2, before going on to even the series with a 64-52 victory. Vandi led the Grizzlies with 21 points, eight assists and four steals on 11-of-27 shooting. AuthenticAfrican totaled 17 points, three rebounds and three steals. G O O F Y 7 5 7 controlled the glass with 14 rebounds to go along with eight points. Shuttles (Aziz Salem) posted a double-double with 21 rebounds and 12 points, while Choc posted a double-double with 20 points and 10 assists.
Game 3 started off rocky for the Grizz as they trailed 12-5 in the opening minutes. However, Vandi would not let Grizz Gaming be denied, as he totaled a career-high 54 points in the series-clinching game. The Grizzlies took a commanding 64-46 lead into the fourth quarter after outscoring NetsGC 46-25 in the second and third quarters combined. Memphis’ squad took their largest lead of the night following an acrobatic layup from Vandi to put the Grizz up 71-49 early in the fourth quarter. Grizz Gaming would go on to cruise to a 90-69 victory, moving them to 7-6 in the regular season. Vandi led the way with his 54 points to go with seven assists and four steals. G O O F Y 7 5 7 posted his second double-double of the night with 13 points and 19 rebounds. Jrod (Justin Rodriguez) added 11 points and two rebounds.
Grizz Gaming returns to action this Friday, July 17, at 8 p.m. against Jazz Gaming. Fans can tune in on the ESPN app as well as the NBA 2K League’s Twitch and YouTube channels. To view Grizz Gaming exclusively, access the “Command Center” on the league’s Twitch channel.