Rotowire

A new iteration of Heat Check Gaming opened its season Tuesday against Pacers Gaming, a squad playing the second night of a back-to-back. After being swept on Opening Night, Pacers Gaming needed a better effort against HCG, a squad featuring two 2020 lottery picks in point guard GlennRatty and defensive specialist TBShiftay.

Game 1 was close in the first half, as Pacers Gaming closed out the second quarter with four unanswered points to take a 31-27 lead into halftime. HCG responded with a 13-0 run to start the second half and led by nine going into the fourth frame. Pacers Gaming used a late run to cut the lead to one, but Heat Check Gaming ultimately prevailed by a score of 63-62.

It was a battle of big men throughout, with WoLF of Pacers Gaming and Hotshot of Heat Check Gaming trading buckets and boards all evening. WoLF finished the game with 18 points, 16 rebounds and seven blocks, while Hotshot totaled 17 points, 17 rebounds, five assists and four steals. GlennRatty had a strong showing in his 2K League debut, dropping 22 points to lead all scorers. TBShiftay totaled three assists and five steals in his first taste of 2K League action.

Game 2 was another tight affair, but Pacers Gaming secured a 60-56, series-evening victory thanks to a strong second half and some quality three-point shooting. Point guard BOHIO scored 22 points on 4-of-8 shooting from deep and chipped in nine helpers and two swipes. WoLF cleaned up the glass with 16 rebounds, and Swizurk contributed 15 points and three assists. Heat Check Gaming’s pair of rookies played well again, with GlennRatty pouring in 22 points and TBShiftay stuffing the stat sheet with three points, three rebounds, four assists and five steals. HotShot scored 14 points on efficient 7-of-13 shooting but grabbed only two boards and failed to block a shot.

Pacers Gaming came to play in the decisive Game 3, jumping out to a 34-22 halftime lead thanks to a massive 24-point half from Swizurk. The lead only swelled from there, as Swizurk — who finished with 40 points on 15-of-20 shooting and made five three-pointers — guided Pacers Gaming to a comfortable 79-54 win that closed out the series 2-1. BOHIO notched a double-double with 13 points and 15 dimes and WoLF pulled down 12 boards to do his part.

For HCG, GlennRatty went off for 29 points, TBShiftay recorded three more steals and Hotshot posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 boards. Despite the loss, Heat Check Gaming’s rookies got their feet wet and started weaving in with their new teammates. GlennRatty, who was drafted eighth overall, displayed his high-scoring upside while No. 13 pick TBShiftay flexed his defensive muscle.