RotoWire – Joe Bartel

The perfect season is still in reach for Raptors Uprising GC after a Wednesday night battle that saw the now 14-0 team claim a 2-0 series victory over Kings Guard Gaming, but not before putting together one of the more memorable series in NBA 2K League history.

While Game 2 would ultimately go down as “the” thriller, Game 1 was equally combative. Both teams ended up trading blow for blow throughout the series, with the Kings up just one at half, and three heading into the final six minutes of regulation. Excellent defense from both sides played a part in the close ordeal, as the teams combined to commit 24 turnovers, and both shot less than 50 attempts from the field.

The stifling defense is a calling card of Raptors Uprising, but Kings Guard Gaming, who could have claimed a playoff spot with a Wednesday win, certainly were up to the challenge. In the end, Kenny Got Work and company proved too difficult to stop, as the Raptors point guard, and likely MVP favorite, compiled 32 points on a red-hot 14-of-19 from the field. The power forward/center combo of Legit 973 and Sick One were arguably the underrated heroes of Game 1, as the low-post duo combined for eight steals, primarily off attempted corner-three passes, with Sick also adding in 14 of the team’s 19 rebounds.

Kings Guard Gaming certainly had their moments, as the entire starting five scored eight or more points, with point guard Bash leading the way with 24 points. Just 2-of-6 from deep was the only black mark on an otherwise overall stellar effort from the 2020 first-round pick, but it wasn’t enough to steal a Game 1 win.

Game 2 was equally intense, with the Kings racing out to a 24-17 first-quarter lead, only to lose it midway through the third quarter. From there, it boiled down to two teams trading buckets after buckets, with neither unit willing to give in on critical possessions. Unlike the first contest, however, both teams were scoring at a high rate, with few turnovers cutting into the scoring margin this go around, as regulation ended with the teams tied at 74. Missed free throws, first in the final minute or so of regulation, and then again in the first overtime, was the dagger to Kings Guard Gaming, as Raptors Uprising GC finally prevailed in the second overtime on the back of a 10-2 run. The 92-89 final score margin wasn’t exactly as close as it looks on paper, but then again, the Kings had multiple chances to force a Game 3 if not for untimely missed free throws down the stretch.

Kenny Got Work was the catalyst throughout most of the game, and first OT, ultimately finishing the game with 51 points (22-27 FG, 6-6 3Pt), eight assists and four steals, while Sick One cleaned up the missed shots, piling together an impressive 20 points and 12 rebounds.

Bash lost the battle of top tier point guards this go around, posting “only” 42 points on 18-of-26 from the floor, but he did contribute 11 assists, allowing the likes of Dat Boy Shotz (12 points) and Seemo (10 points) to contribute as 3-point spacers. Yusuf_Scarbz continued his march towards a potential All-Team Defense consideration, finishing the contest with 17 points, 14 rebounds. two steals and two blocks in the losing effort.

Kings Guard Gaming will attempt to claim their playoff spot to kickstart Week 12 against Cavs Legion GC while Raptors Uprising GC focus on their pursuit of perfection heading into Thursday’s matchup with Lakers Gaming.