RotoWire – Jason Shebilske

Although Grizz Gaming played inconsistently during much of the regular season, the team was dominant to begin THE TICKET, powered by AT&T to earn a sweep over Lakers Gaming.

Grizz Gaming has had trouble defensively against opponents with strong offensive players, and that’s exactly what the team faced while going against SAV, who averaged 32.9 points per game during regular season play. However, the Grizz held him in check to begin the first game of the series. Although Vandi had a strong finish to the regular season, he was cold over the first quarter of Game 1 along with most of the other players from Grizz Gaming, and the Lakers held a 19-18 lead heading into the second quarter. Both teams were much more proficient on offense over the next six minutes. SAV was less effective in the second quarter than he was in the first, but Tactuk and Dweq stepped up to keep the Lakers’ lead going. Although Vandi remained ineffective over the rest of the first half, AuthenticAfrican and DDouble each had 10 points at halftime. Heading into the second half, the Lakers held a 36-32 advantage.

The game changed considerably in the third quarter. Vandi picked things up slightly while also getting valuable help from G O O F Y 7 5 7. Dweq remained perfect from the floor for the Lakers throughout the first three quarters while SAV matched his total on the scoreboard, but SAV committed seven costly turnovers after three quarters, allowing Grizz Gaming to get more opportunities and pick up a 55-48 lead heading into the final frame. Lakers Gaming kept pace with the Grizz during the fourth quarter, but they were unable to contend for the win as Grizz Gaming took Game 1 by a 73-64 margin. Despite his slow start to the game, Vandi finished with a team-leading 20 points and 11 assists for Grizz Gaming, and G O O F Y 7 5 7 also had a double-double as he finished with 18 points and 16 rebounds. As he has so many times this season, SAV led the Lakers with 26 points and six assists, but he also committed eight turnovers.

Following their Game 1 win, Grizz Gaming got off to a hot start to begin the second game. The team went on a 7-0 run over the first minute before finishing the quarter with a 23-12 lead. AuthenticAfrican and Jrod stepped up for Grizz Gaming in the first quarter, combining to shoot 4-for-5 from deep, while the team held SAV in check once again as he shot just 33.3 percent from the floor in the first frame. SAV didn’t get many opportunities in the second quarter as he shot just 2-for-2 during the second quarter. G O O F Y 7 5 7 was nearing a double-double by halftime as he stepped up to finish the first half. While Grizz Gaming was slightly less dominant during the second quarter, the team still held a 40-24 lead at halftime.

Grizz Gaming rediscovered their dominance to begin the second half. Vandi came alive as he shot 5-for-6 during the quarter to add 13 points to Grizz Gaming’s total on the scoreboard. The defense once again controlled SAV, and the Lakers shot just 4-for-9 from the floor while giving up seven turnovers. The Grizz commanded the scoreboard heading into the fourth quarter with a 62-33 lead. Grizz Gaming let up a bit on defense during the final frame but still kept pace with the Lakers to close out the series with an 84-56 win. Vandi finished with 27 points and 10 assists for Grizz Gaming, while G O O F Y 7 5 7 had yet another double-double with 16 points and 16 rebounds, along with four steals. SAV had a quiet end to his season as he tallied just 15 points for the Lakers while shooting just 35.7 percent from the floor.

Grizz Gaming will continue their quest for a playoff spot in the second round of THE TICKET, powered by AT&T on Friday, while Lakers Gaming finishes the season with a total record of 3-14.