The NBA 2K League playoffs continued Friday night with T-Wolves Gaming and 76ers GC claiming their spots in next week’s championship series. T-Wolves Gaming swept Warriors Gaming Squad in two blowout games. 76ers GC squeaked out a win in game one and then dismantled Celtics Crossover Gaming in game two to advance.
With the results from Friday, T-Wolves Gaming and 76ers GC will meet on Saturday, August 3 in the NBA 2K League final. Game one of the best-of-five series begins at 3:00 p.m. ET.
THE FINALS ARE SET!@TWolvesGaming x @76ersGC🏆 pic.twitter.com/rRyReOx1s9
— NBA 2K League (@NBA2KLeague) July 27, 2019
No. 4 T-Wolves Gaming vs. No. 8 Warriors Gaming Squad
The two teams dominated their quarterfinals matchups, and NBA 2K League fans were wondering what the series would bring. The hottest team in the league coming into the playoffs answered the challenge.
Game 1
There was no shortage of offense in the first quarter for either side. Both teams were finding buckets, with T-Wolves Gaming earning a slight lead. The Minnesota crew kept rolling in the second quarter by posting 20 points. T-Wolves doubled the output of the Warriors to register a 39-25 halftime lead.
In the second half, T-Wolves Gaming showcased its ability on defense. T-Wolves held the opposition to just eight points in the third and built on its lead. Warriors Gaming Squad picked the offense back up in the fourth with 20 points. Unfortunately for the Warriors, T-Wolves posted 17 points of its own and won the game, 71-53.
Michael “BearDaBeast” Key rode the momentum of last night’s performances with another double-double of 24 points and 15 assists. Christopher “TURNUPDEFENSE” Anderson added 22 points in the win. Warriors Gaming Squad had four players score 10-plus in the loss, with Alexander “Bsmoove” Reese leading the group with 18.
Game 2
At the start of the game, it seemed Warriors Gaming Squad had figured out a good strategy against T-Wolves Gaming. The two sides ended the first quarter knotted at 12-all. In the second quarter, though, T-Wolves took over the game yet again. A couple runs and a late-quarter basket put Minnesota up by 10 at the half.
The second half did not offer much promise for Warriors Gaming Squad. After a tight third quarter in favor of the T-Wolves, the fourth quarter killed the comeback hopes of Warriors Gaming Squad. T-Wolves outscored the Warriors by 10, cruising to a 68-46 final.
Anderson recorded another gem with 20 points and no turnovers. Four players hit double-digit points for T-Wolves Gaming. Warriors Gaming Squad’s frontcourt of Jin “Jin” Choe and Xavier “Type” Vescovi scored 14 and 16, respectively.
WE'RE COMING FOR THE CHIP!!!! 🏆
🐺 #THEWOLFWITHIN pic.twitter.com/JPPqIbqJjR
— T-Wolves Gaming (@TWolvesGaming) July 26, 2019
No. 3 76ers GC vs. No. 7 Celtics Crossover Gaming
Tensions in the studio were high as soon as these two teams stepped on the stage. With a roaring crowd behind both teams, it was the perfect playoff environment.
Game 1
Both squads came with busloads full of fans to pack the NBA 2K League studios. The first half boasted runs for both teams, but neither side could grab a big lead. The crowd played a factor late in the second quarter when Celtics Crossover’s Ahmed “MEL EAST” Kasana ripped off his headset during a timeout and received a technical. At the half, the two sides were separated by two points in favor of Celtics Crossover Gaming.
The third quarter featured fewer runs and more back-and-forth scoring. 76ers GC earned the one-point advantage heading into the final frame. Neither side held a big enough lead to limit the late-game drama. With under 30 seconds left, 76ers GC had a three-point lead and the ball. Running the clock down to 14 seconds, Rashann “ZDS” Petty hit a dagger three for 76ers GC. A late two on the other end for Celtics Crossover Gaming led the two sides to the buzzer, with 76ers GC celebrating a 55-51 win.
Petty was the Player of the Game with a game-high 21 points. Ethan “Radiant” White registered a double-double with 14 points and 12 assists from the point guard position for 76ers GC. Albano “oFAB” Thomallari finished with a double-double for the Celtics after closing the game with 19 points and 11 assists.
Game 2
The second game had a very different feel between these two teams. 76ers GC came out firing in the first quarter to take a five-point lead. Then, Philly scored 24 in the second quarter to take a 12-point lead. Once 76ers GC pushed its lead to 20, the Celtics Crossover Gaming season came to a close with a 96-59 result.
White was as unstoppable as a player could be in NBA 2K. The point guard scored 37 points on 11-of-14 from the field and 9-of-11 from the charity stripe. Petty was the beneficiary of many of White’s passes, finishing with 26 points.
For @BreadwinnerLA_ and @76ersGC, this W just means more! pic.twitter.com/1h2veSLndl
— NBA 2K League (@NBA2KLeague) July 27, 2019
Stay tuned to Daily Esports for more coverage of the NBA 2K League playoffs.
