The first week of the 2019 NBA 2K League season is in the books, as THE TIPOFF tournament concluded with a familiar team on top again. Here’s a recap of all the action from the 2K League’s first week.
Back-To-Back Champs
For the second consecutive season, 76ers GC won THE TIPOFF tournament, defeating Celtics Crossover Gaming in the final by a score of 70-52. 76ers GC went a perfect 5-0 in the first tournament of the season thanks in part to Radiant, who won THE TIPOFF MVP award for the second straight season. He scored 27 points in the final game and averaged 18.3 PPG in the team’s five games.
76ers GC finished the 2018 season with a 10-4 record last season, good for second in the 2K League, and they’re already off to a hot start this season. 76ers GC will return to action on April 12 at 8 PM EST against Raptors Uprising GC
Team #22
As we mentioned on Thursday’s Inside Drive, there will be yet another team in the NBA 2K League come next season. Hornets Sports and Entertainment will launch a 2K team next season, and NBA 2K League Managing Director is excited for their entry into the league. “With North Carolina’s rich basketball history and the Hornets organization’s commitment to innovation and fan engagement, we know they will be a great addition to the NBA 2K League family.”
There were four teams that entered the league this season, and it’s very possible that there will be more additions between now and the start of the 2020 season.
Big Names Make Their Season Debuts
It’s fair to say that Blazers Gaming’ OneWildWalnut had a great season in 2018, as he averaged 22.5 PPG (8th in league) and 15 RPG (1st in league) en route to winning the 2K League’s MVP award last season. OneWildWalnut made his season debut on Friday, and scored 8 points and had 8 rebounds in his first game, which was a 71-56 loss to Bucks Gaming. He then had a strong second game against Jazz Gaming, scoring 20 points and had 18 boards in a 73-57 victory.
Ria, the first overall pick from the 2019 2K League Draft, made his season debut on Friday as well, and he didn’t disappoint. Ria posted double-doubles in his first two 2K League games, posting 19 points and 12 rebounds in his first game, a 60-54 victory over Bucks Gaming. He followed that up with a 16 point, 10 rebound game against Blazers Gaming.
Knicks Gaming Go 0-2
Last season, Knicks Gaming won THE TICKET tournament to secure a playoff birth, and then went on a roll to win the first NBA 2K League title. Knicks Gaming began their title defense on Tuesday, and it could have went better. In their first game, Knicks Gaming had to face Nets GC and one of their former teammates, NateKahl, who was taken by Nets GC in the 2K League Expansion Draft. Knicks Gaming would lose that game 55-49, and then lost to Magic Gaming in a very tight 72-70 game.
Knicks Gaming will begin their season on Wednesday at 9 PM EST against Heat Check Gaming.
A Great Performance by ProFusion
Celtics Crossover Gaming’ ProFusion had himself quite a strong tournament this week. ProFusion scored a tournament-high 36 points in a victory against Pistons GT on Thursday, and then made 2 big three-pointers against Heat Check Gaming to get his team into the final matchup. Check it out here:
.@ProfusionTV sends @CLTXGaming to the Finals with 2 CLUTCH triples! 👌👌
Watch THE TIPOFF Finals Powered by @ATT LIVE
YouTube: https://t.co/QGBIsdaulc
Twitch: https://t.co/jyRINAVZW8 pic.twitter.com/rKO5ax2Yep— NBA 2K League (@NBA2KLeague) April 7, 2019
That’s all for THE TIPOFF recap. Play resumes on Wednesday with the first week of the new season.
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