Grizz Gaming starts 2-0 for the first time in franchise history

Memphis, Tenn. — Grizz Gaming, the NBA 2K League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies, defeated Heat Check Gaming in both games of a double-header Friday night to start 2-0 for the first time in franchise history. Vandi (Zach Vandivier) totaled 68 points and 20 assists across the two games to lead the Grizz in their first-ever regular season series as part of the Eastern Conference.

Grizz Gaming got off to a scorching start on the offensive end, out-scoring Heat Check Gaming 31-10 after one quarter of play. Vandi scored 19 of his 36 points in the first six minutes alone. Chess (Kory Taylor) connected on a 30-foot 3-pointer with under four seconds to play in the second quarter to extend the Memphis lead to 54-25 heading into the halftime break. Grizz Gaming dominated the fourth quarter 28-12 as they cruised to a 93-52 win in Game 1. Memphis’ squad displayed excellent ball movement and a balanced scoring attack as all five players scored in double-figures. Vandi posted a double-double with 36 points, 12 assists and three steals on 13-of-22 shooting, including 7-of-11 from 3-point range. AuthenticAfrican (Mehyar Ahmed-Hassan) dominated in the paint, posting a double-double with 18 points and 17 rebounds on 8-of-9 shooting. Spartxn (Josh McHatten) added 15 points (6-8 FG), six rebounds and three assists. Grizz Gaming was flying around on defense as they forced 15 turnovers from Heat Check Gaming while only turning the ball over twice. SAV (Sten Valge-Saar) led Heat Check Gaming with 18 points, 10 assists and one rebound.

Game 2 proved to be a much more difficult test for Grizz Gaming after struggling to get going offensively. The Grizz were limited to just 14 first-quarter points. Spartxn (Josh McHatten) scored all of his 11 points in the first half, helping Memphis’ squad to a narrow 31-28 lead at the half. Heat Check Gaming stuck around deep into the game, but Vandi was able to connect on a pair of clutch 3-pointers in the final minutes to end all hopes of a series split for Miami’s squad. Vandi led all scorers with 32 points (12-23 FG, 8-14 3P), while scoring 20 of his points in the second half. AuthenticAfrican posted his second-straight double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 6-of-6 from the field. SAV totaled a team-high 21 points and seven assists for Heat Check Gaming. Hotshot (Juan Gonzalez) posted a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds in Game 2.

Grizz Gaming returns to the court tomorrow, May 29, as they visit Hawks Talon GC at 8 p.m. CT. 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.