RotoWire — Zak Hanshew

Grizz Gaming faced Knicks Gaming on Friday for the second night of THE TICKET Powered by AT&T. Knicks Gaming advanced after taking down Pistons GT in three games Thursday.

Game 1 was a close contest through two quarters, as Knicks Gaming took a 35-29 lead into halftime. Duck had a huge first half, going for 15 points and seven dimes, and CanGuardRob nearly double-doubled with 12 points and eight boards.

The game remained close in the second half and came down to a wild finish. With 15 seconds left, Vandi hit a layup to put Grizz Gaming ahead 64-63, only to see CantGuardRob tip in a lob six seconds later to retake the lead. Vandi got off a floater as time expired, but the shot was ruled late and didn’t count, as Grizz Gaming lost the contest 65-64. Vandi led the way for Grizz Gaming with a team-high 18 points, and GOOFY757 went for 16 points and 16 boards. Knicks Gaming got strong play from its point guard and center as well, with Duck scoring a game-high 24 points to go with 11 assists and CantGuardRob notching a double-double with 16 points and 15 boards.

Knicks Gaming got off to a strong start in Game 2, jumping out to an early 20-10 advantage after the first quarter, with OriginalMalik scoring 11 of the team’s points. Grizz Gaming quickly turned things around in the second quarter and got to within 31-29 at the break, thanks to 12 points from AuthenticAfrican. Knicks Gaming built its lead to 49-41 entering the final frame, but Grizz Gaming made it interesting late once again. The two teams traded baskets until the final minute when a timely Grizz three-pointer proved to be the go-ahead bucket. Duck and OriginalMalik each notched 24 points in the losing effort, while Vandi (27 points, 12 assists) and GOOFY757 (18 points, 13 rebounds) secured double-doubles in the victory. A 70-67 win notched the series 1-1 and forced a Game 3.

Game 3 began with a 20-4 run from Knicks Gaming, though Grizz Gaming got within two possessions in the second quarter before a late Knicks Gaming run gave the latter a 46-33 halftime lead. For the second straight game, OriginalMalik came out hot, scoring 17 in the first half. Vandi responded with a 16-point third quarter to cut the lead to 65-58 heading into the decisive fourth quarter. The teams traded buckets once again, and the contest went to overtime. The extra period was tight until the end, and Grizz Gaming pulled out a 90-87 victory as Knicks Gaming missed a game-tying three as time expired. Vandi propelled Grizz Gaming to victory with a game-high 51 points as he willed Grizz Gaming to a 2-1 series victory.

Grizz Gaming advances in THE TICKET Powered by AT&T tournament with a chance to earn a playoff berth. Knicks Gaming is eliminated from the tournament with the loss and will not appear in the 2K League playoffs.