Heat Check Gaming outlast Knicks Gaming

Cameron Wilhorn | RotoWire

Heat Check Gaming hung on to defeat Knicks Gaming 77-73 in overtime Thursday during THE TURN, Powered by AT&T.

The first quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams hunting out three-pointers, combining to shoot 7-for-11 from long range. Jyden tallied eight of the Knicks 16 first-quarter points as the Heat took a 17-16 advantage into the second quarter. After trading the lead early in the period, Knicks Gaming began to separate behind a strong showing from Sick One. The Knicks’ center scored or assisted on six of the team’s nine made field goals in the period. However, HoodieKy willed the Heat back into contention with a late burst as part of a nine-point quarter. Knicks Gaming held a 37-33 lead at halftime. Sick One collected 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Jyden totaled 11 points and six assists. On the Heat side, HoodieKy socred 13 points.

Heat Check Gaming took control in the third quarter, retaking the lead after a 16-7 run. They’d take the lead into fourth quarter, leading 51-48 behind seven third-quarter points from Matty. Knicks Gaming punched back to start the fourth, claiming the lead on the back of an 11-4 run to start the quarter. However, the Heat were able to even it back up and take a one-point lead with less than a minute to play following a sawc dunk. While Jomar hit a three on the other end, Matty slammed home the game-tying dunk with 30 seconds to go. With the game on the line, Heat Check Gaming stepped up on defense, forcing a shot clock violation and getting a chance at the game-winner. The game winner clanked off the rim, and the game was sent into OT. Overtime was as competitive as could be, with the score getting tossed back-and-forth on almost every possession. Eventually, a middy from Matty at the end of the shot clock put the Heat ahead by one point with 15 seconds to play. It was Matty who stepped up on defense as well, deflecting a pass by Jyden and pushing it down the floor in the fastbreak. As Matty darted toward the basket, Knicks Gaming committed a clear path foul, resulting in two free throws – of which Matty made one – and the Heat retaining the ball. Trailing by two and the shot clock off, Knicks Gaming intentionally fouled sawc on the inbound pass. The Heat center sank both free throws, icing the 77-73 win. HoodieKy paced the Heat with 26 points, while Matty chipped in 20 points on 7-of-8 shooting. For the Knicks, both Jyden and OriginalMalik tallied 18 points and seven assists, while Sick One totaled 25 points, nine assists, four rebounds and three steals.