RotoWire – Jeff Edgerton

Thursday’s matchup between Bucks Gaming and Grizz Gaming was mostly a play-in game for the postseason, as both teams entered the game sitting right at the cut line in the standings. A loss would dramatically cut a team’s playoff hopes, while the other side would almost assuredly have the upper hand going into the final week. That team turned out to be the Bucks, who handily swept the series, 2-0.

The Bucks were the better team in the first quarter, as they quickly built a lead that put them up 21-13 behind excellent play from Regg and Arooks. Reg continued his excellent play in the second quarter, and the Grizzlies could not break the Bucks’ overwhelming momentum. The tide began to turn at the end of the frame, however, as they finally got some shots to fall and only trailed by three points going into halftime.

The Grizzlies had several opportunities to take the lead, but the Bucks were able to hold them off every time. This lasted until the final minute when the Grizzlies defense made some great stops, and they were able to tie things up going into the fourth quarter. The Grizzlies continued to play tough defense, and with less than a minute remaining, they had closed the lead to one. A messy possession by the Grizzlies led to a basket for the Bucks and a three-point lead, and even though Vandi had an open shot to tie, he missed, and the Bucks took the game, 71-68. Despite a substantial 39-point game from Vandi, Grizz Gaming couldn’t hold off Regg, who compiled 28 points and nine assists. Arooks also had a great game with 18 points.

The Bucks continued to roll in Game 2, as the Grizzlies looked to be a step behind defensively for most of the quarter. The quarter ended with the Bucks holding a five-point lead. The Bucks extended their lead to 10 points midway through the second frame, thanks in part to their smothering defense that denied the Grizzlies at almost every opportunity. Fueled by Regg and Plondo, the Bucks jumped to a 13-point lead by halftime.

The Bucks held off the Grizzlies throughout the third quarter. It wasn’t until early in the fourth quarter that the Grizzlies attempted a run, but two consecutive threes for the Bucks stopped that charge in its tracks. The Bucks succeeded in getting under the Grizz’s full-court press and answered basket-for-basket. With every player in double-digit territory, the Bucks put the finishing touches on a series sweep with little effort, as they polished off the Grizzlies 85-70 to take the series and a huge step toward postseason play. Regg completed another excellent game with 31 points and nine assists, and Plondo excelled with a 16-point, 17-rebound double-double.

Bucks Gaming (8-6) play their final game against Lakers Gaming next week. Grizz Gaming (7-8) will face a tough test against Warriors Gaming Squad on Friday.