Grizz Gaming sweeps Knicks Gaming, remains atop NBA 2K League standings

Memphis, Tenn. — Grizz Gaming, the NBA 2K League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies, earned a 2-0 sweep over Knicks Gaming Thursday night to improve to 7-1 on the season. Grizz Gaming owns the top record in the NBA 2K League and continues to build on the best start in franchise history.

Grizz Gaming got off to a strong start in Game 1 behind 10 first quarter points from Vandi (Zach Vandivier). The Grizz jumped out to a 20-12 lead after one quarter of play thanks to 72.7 percent shooting from the field. Knicks Gaming climbed right back in the game in the second quarter on the back of their start point guard, Duck (Chris Pesos). Duck was a perfect 5-of-5 from the field in the second quarter as his 13 second quarter points helped the Knicks’ squad cut the lead to 36-33 heading into the halftime break. Grizz Gaming’s offense sputtered in the third quarter, helping Knicks Gaming to a 53-48 lead heading into the final quarter of play. However, Grizz Gaming put together their best quarter of the night in the fourth, outscoring Knicks Gaming 21-12 to complete the fourth quarter comeback. Vandi and Spartxn (Josh McHatten) combined for 15 of the team’s 21 points in the final period. Vandi posted a double-double with 25 points (10-22 FG) and 11 assists in the Game 1 victory. AuthenticAfrican (Mehyar Ahmed-Hassan) posted a double-double of his own with 14 points, 16 rebounds and four assists for the Grizz. OriginalMalik (Malik Hobson) led Knicks Gaming with 21 points, two steals and one rebounds on 8-of-13 shooting.

The two teams played another closely contested half to begin Game 2. Knicks Gaming settled for a 33-32 halftime advantage behind 23-combined points from Duck and OriginalMalik. Vandi posted 14 points and five assists in the first half for Grizz Gaming. Memphis’ squad found themselves trailing 57-54 in the final minute of the game before Vandi connected on a monster dunk, while being fouled, with 30.9 seconds remaining to tie the game at 57 points apiece. Knicks Gaming responded with a dunk on the other end to retake the lead at 59-57 before Grizz Gaming had one more chance with the game on the line in the final seconds. Vandi was able to find Spartxn on the right wing where he connected on a game-winning 3-point basket with 15.6 seconds remaining to lift Grizz Gaming to a 60-59 win and finish off the 2-0 sweep. Vandi posted 25 points and nine assists while AuthenticAfrican posted a double-double with 16 points and 16 rebounds. OriginalMalik finished with 24 points and six assists for Knicks Gaming.

Grizz Gaming hosts Blazer5 Gaming (4-2) in the NBA 2K League “Game of the Week” tomorrow night, June 18, 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.