RotoWire – Juan Pablo Aravena

Jazz Gaming and Bucks Gaming had to decide their fate in a pivotal Game 3, and their series went down to the wire. In the end, Bucks Gaming escaped with a thrilling 2-1 win in a tightly contested affair, which is even more impressive considering they dropped the first game of the series.

Jazz Gaming got off to a better start in Game 1 and looked completely in control, although they never managed to create much separation from Bucks Gaming. That was clear when taking a look at the scoreboard. Despite Jazz Gaming winning the first three quarters, they were never ahead by much in any of those periods — 19-16, 20-18, and 18-14. The Bucks tried to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter and while they won that period 19-14, it wasn’t enough. Jazz Gaming won the first matchup, but it was clear the Bucks had enough weapons to potentially turn things around later on.

Splashy led the Jazz with 23 points and 10 assists, although he had solid support coming from Lotty (15 points) and Ria (19 points, 12 rebounds). Regg was the best player for the losing side, finishing with 28 points and 10 assists despite committing six turnovers. Arooks added 11 points and Plondo chipped in with 18 points and seven boards.

Jazz Gaming carried their momentum from Game 1 with a 21-18 lead in the first quarter, and they pushed that advantage to five points following a 22-20 second quarter. Jazz Gaming was just one half away from securing the sweep, but Bucks Gaming woke up when they needed to the most — they had shown signs of a comeback in the third quarter (22-21), but they finished things out in the final six minutes of action with a 27-20. With that, Bucks Gaming evened the series with a 87-84 Game 2 win.

Regg was a man on a mission in Game 2 and finished with 48 points, while also adding seven assists and five steals. Arooks backed him up well and finished with 17 points. Splashy led the Jazz with 29 points and five assists, but he also committed six turnovers. Lotty (14 points) and Lord Beezus (14 points) did a good job for Jazz Gaming as well, but it wasn’t enough. Ria ended with another double-double, tallying 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Game 3 started just like the first two, with Jazz Gaming establishing control and the Bucks keeping them close. The first period ended with a 20-18 lead for the Jazz, but the Bucks came from behind and grabbed a five-point lead at the break after a 23-16 second quarter (41-36). The third quarter ended with a 22-22 tie, meaning everything would be decided in the final six minutes of the game.

Jazz tried hard to flip the script, but the Bucks showed they can close things out when they have to. They already did it in Game 2, and repeated the formula in Game 3 after winning 89-80. It was a solid win for Bucks Gaming, especially considering they had to come from behind during most of the series.

Regg was a one-man show once again, finishing with 26 points and 20 assists while shooting 10-of-15 from the field. Ty had 13 points, Arooks posted 17, and Plondo notched 24 points with 14 boards. Splashy did what he could for Jazz Gaming and finished with 40 points, but it wasn’t enough. Ria also delivered a strong game with 21 points and 15 rebounds.