Grizz Gaming secures regular season opener

Grizz Gaming responded to a tough weekend at THE TIPOFF with a resounding 64-57 win over Pacers Gaming Saturday at the NBA 2K League Studio Powered by Intel to move to 1-0 in regular season play.

After trading buckets early, each team went on a 7-0 run before Pacers Gaming took a 14-13 lead after the opening frame. However, the second quarter would prove to be instrumental in the win for Grizz Gaming. Trailing 25-23, Grizz Gaming went on an 8-0 run sparked by an and-one from Mehyar Ahmed-Hassan (AuthenticAfrican), who moved to small forward from center this week. Another bucket from AuthenticAfrican and a Larell Mitchell (Winner_Stayz_On) three that was called goaltending capped off the flurry as Memphis took a 33-27 lead to halftime.

Pacers Gaming narrowed the gap to two (47-45) heading into the fourth quarter and cut it to one (49-48) on a Jamie Bull (vGooner) three-pointer early in the fourth quarter. After missing his first four attempts, Bono Nikolic (PHENOM vv) responded with a three to put the team from Memphis back up four. Another and-one fromAuthenticAfrican put Grizz Gaming up 61-55 late and a deep three-pointer from Troy Minott II (T H R E A T) in the final seconds gave the game its final bucket, sealing the deal for Grizz Gaming.

AuthenticAfrican made the most of the move to small forward, posting a game-high 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting to go with seven assists. Antonio Saldivar (UniversalPhenom) slid into the center spot and had a solid all-around game, tallying 12 points (5-11 FG), nine rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Winner_Stayz_On made his living from beyond the arc, scoring 14 points (5-9 FG, 4-8 3P) at shooting guard and knocking down timely three-pointers. T H R E A T had an efficient 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting.

Nick Grech (Swizurk) led the Pacers Gaming effort with 21 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. vGooner struggled from the field, but posted 13 points and a game-high eight assists. Tucker Henry (TuckerLocksUp) added 14 points, five boards, four assists and three blocks. After a 30-point outing against Grizz Gaming at THE TIPOFF, Bryant Colon (WoLF 74) was held to three points.

Grizz Gaming continues regular season play next Saturday, May 19 with a matchup against Cavs Legion GC at noon CT inside the NBA 2K League Studio Powered by Intel in New York City.