Grizz Gaming splits week seven action
May 30, 2019
Long Island City, N.Y.— Grizz Gaming (4-5) split its two Week Seven games Wednesday night at the NBA 2K League Studio powered by Intel. The team held off a late surge from Wizards District Gaming to win 54-51 and avenge its loss at THE TIPOFF powered by AT&T before having its three-game winning streak snapped by Raptors Uprising GC in a 60-56 loss.
Grizz Gaming was on a tear from the opening tip in game one, going on a 13-2 run to start the game courtesy of multiple steals that led to open dunks on the fast break. In the opening frame, Grizz shot 7-of-11 from the field while Wizards District were just 3-of-12.
Wizards District stayed in the game, however, my getting it done from long range. The Wizards started 5-of-8 from three-point range despite being just 1-of-7 from inside the arc. ReeseDaGod had 17 first half points (5-8 3P) while DDouble went 6-of-6 from the field for 12 points. Wizards District finished the half shooting 7-of-11 from three-point range and kept the Grizz Gaming lead to 32-27.
In the third, Wizards District cut it to as close to 44-42 in the final minute, but a Vandi three-pointer pushed the lead back to five heading into the final period. ReeseDaGod tied the game at 51-51 with 2:30 remaining but Grizz Gaming held Wizards District scoreless the rest of the way.
Vandi led Grizz Gaming with 16 points, five assists and three steals. Jayrod finished with 15 points on 3-of-6 shooting from long range. DDouble ended up with 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting. ReeseDaGod finished with 19 points to lead Wizards District.
The team’s second game of the evening did not start as well as the first. Memphis native Kenny Got Work scored the Raptors’ first 11 points and led them to 20-12 lead after the opening frame.
Grizz Gaming fought back in the second quarter, outscoring Raptors Uprising 19-9. Trailing 23-17, Jayrod and DDouble hit a pair of threes each to put Memphis’ team on a 12-3 run and acquire a 29-26 lead. Raptors Uprising responded with a three of its own before UniversalPhenom converted a wide open layup at the buzzer to give Grizz a 31-29 lead at halftime. Jayrod finished the first half with 15 points on 5-of-7 from long range.
Raptors Uprising started the second half on 10-3 run and would eventually lead 43-40 heading into the fourth quarter. In the final frame, the Raptors held serve and extended the lead to as many as eight late in the game. Jayrod was held scoreless in the second half, but still led the team in scoring while AuthenticAfrican (12 points, nine rebounds) finished just shy of a double-double. Kenny Got Work finished with a season-high 27 points to go with six steals, five assists and three boards.
Grizz Gaming continues action next Friday, June 7, at 7 p.m. CT against Pacers Gaming and 9 p.m. CT against Pistons GT.