Grizz Gaming splits series with Gen.G to conclude (3-1) week 9

Memphis, Tenn. — Grizz Gaming, the NBA 2K League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies, split a pair of games with Gen.G Tigers of Shanghai Friday night to move to 16-10 on the season. Following the series split, Grizz Gaming moves into third place in the Eastern Conference standings. The NBA 2K League Playoffs, which will feature 12 teams for the first time in league history, tip-off on Thursday, Aug. 28 live from Dallas, Texas.

Grizz Gaming got off to a nice start, taking a 20-15 advantage after a 3-pointer from Spartxn (Josh McHatten) with 18 seconds remaining in the opening quarter. Vandi (Zach Vandivier) had things going early for Grizz Gaming, scoring 21 of his 32 points in the first 11 minutes of play. Memphis carried a 43-36 lead into the halftime break after a hot shooting first half. Grizz Gaming was able to hold on down the stretch despite a 23-point fourth quarter from Gen.G. Vandi was stellar in the Game 1 win, posting a double-double with 32 points, 11 assists and one rebound on 12-of-21 shooting. AuthenticAfrican (Mehyar Ahmed-Hassan) posted a double-double of his own right with 22 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks on nearly perfect 11-of-13 shooting. Spartxn pitched in 11 points, five rebounds and three steals. JMoney (Jordan Martinez) led Gen.G. with 28 points, 11 assists and one rebound. Sawc (Sawc Tauala Jr.) posted a double-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds and six assists on 7-of-12 shooting.

In Game 2, JMoney showed why he is one of the best players in the NBA 2K League by posting a monster double-double with 40 points, 10 assists, a steal and one rebound on 13-of-24 shooting. Spartxn carried his hot hand into the second game, finishing a perfect 7-of-7 from the field. However, it would not be enough to overcome an eight-point deficit late in the second half. Vandi posted his second double-double of the night with 24 points and 11 assists in the loss. Spartxn tallied 17 points, four steals, three assists and two rebounds. Grizz Gaming out-shot Gen.G. 72.5 percent to 57.8 percent from the floor, but it was the Tigers that connected on 15 3-pointers compared to nine for Memphis. Gen.G. held on to win by a score of 74-71 and earn the split of the double-header.

Grizz Gaming (16-10) returns to the court against Raptors Uprising GC (9-17) on Wednesday, Aug. 11, at 6 p.m. in the regular season finale. Grizz Gaming will look to clinch a playoff berth for the first time in franchise history with one win or one Gen.G loss in Week 10. All regular season games will air live on the NBA 2K League’s Twitch and YouTube channels. To view the Grizz Gaming game exclusively, enter the ‘Command Center’ on the league’s Twitch channel.

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 2021 season.