Grizz Gaming sweeps Magic Gaming 2-0; climbs to fourth in the Eastern Conference

Memphis, Tenn. — Grizz Gaming, the NBA 2K League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies, won both games against Magic Gaming Wednesday night to improve to 15-9 on the season. Following the victory in Game 2, Grizz Gaming moves into fourth 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 19-13 advantage after a basket from followTHEGOD (Kwan Niblack Jr.) with just two seconds remaining in the opening quarter. AuthenticAfrican (Mehyar Ahmed-Hassan) gave the Grizz a spark in the first half with 12 early points, but the Magic ripped off a 10-2 run to tie the game with 1:26 to play in the second. Vandi (Zach Vandivier) connected on basket just before the halftime break to regain the lead at 41-40 after 12 minutes of play. Both teams traded baskets in the third quarter and the game was knotted at 55-55 heading into the final quarter of play. Grizz Gaming’s stars stepped up in the fourth quarter and Memphis converted on their free throws in the final seconds to earn a 78-73 win in Game 1. Vandi totaled a team-high 28 points, 12 assists and two steals for his double-double. AuthenticAfrican pitched in 20 points, eight rebounds and three assists while shooting 9-of-11 from the floor. followTHEGOD was a perfect 6-of-6 from the floor on his way to 12 points, four steals and three assists. Magic Gaming star Reizey (Brendan Hill) totaled 20 points to go with five assists.

In Game 2 the two teams found themselves tied at 17 after one quarter of play. However, Memphis took command of the game in the second quarter, out-scoring Magic Gaming 26-13 to take a commanding 43-30 lead into the halftime break. Magic Gaming cut into the lead in the third quarter, but the Grizz still led by ten points heading into the fourth. A Snubby (Justin Stemerman) 3-pointer cut the Grizz’ lead to seven points, but Vandi answered with a dunk on the other end. Grizz Gaming would roll comfortably the rest of the way for a 70-62 win, earning a series sweep and winning the season series 3-1. Vandi totaled 24 points (9-15 FG) and nine assists for Memphis. AuthenticAfrican delivered another double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Snubby finished with 18 points, six assists and one block in the loss. In Game 2, Grizz Gaming limited Reizey to just 2-of-11 shooting and eight points.

Grizz Gaming (15-9) returns to the court against the Gen.G Tigers (11-10) this Friday, Aug. 6, at 8 p.m. 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.