While the NBA 2K League live broadcast on Twitch and YouTube is the primary storytelling device for the league, it can’t capture everything that transpires in the NBA 2K League Studio powered by Intel. Social media correspondent Harris Rubenstein gives you a behind-the-scenes look at our players and teams on game day and the little things you may not have noticed.

This article represents the thoughts and opinions of the writer and not of the NBA 2K League.

With Season 2 officially underway, the hunger for new content and perspective about the league continues to grow. The purpose of this notebook is to share insights and stories from this league that you may not see. First thing you learn from working for this league: If you keep your eyes and ears open on game days, the stories end up telling themselves.

 

Night 1 Notes:

1. Quita’s league debut was a fantastic moment for the league, but most importantly, her. While she is clearly happy to be breaking down barriers, she seems ready to let the focus be on her team’s success rather than her individual impact on the scene as a whole.

2. The 1-2 punch of Mama Im Dat Man and OneWildWalnut is one of the leagues best partnerships. Off the court, the two appear more like college roommates than teammates. On the court, they have a Stockton and Malone feel to their game.

3. LavishPhenom has a great feel for basketball as a whole. He’s an amoeba for Blazer5 Gaming and alters his style for whatever the team needs in that moment.

4. Jaacko’s impact on Pistons GT was instantaneous, even with his outrageous jet lag from New Zealand.

Night 2 Notes:

1. If you have any doubt about the dedication our players and coaches have for the league, here is Heat Check Gaming coach YouFamousEnough taking in the arena two full hours before tip-off.

2. Arooks has been very good over the first two weeks, but he wasn’t at his best this week. What impressed me was how his teammates supported him through shooting struggles. SlayIsland and Chaddynick, most notably, hyped him up after missed shots and helped keep his head up through cold streaks.

3. BigMeek put up 27 in the Bucks Gaming’s win over Heat Check and broke out some fine dance moves.

4. In the waning minutes of Lakers Gaming’s first win, Mootyy yelled, “I’m a moose!” Perhaps it was just the heat of the moment, but not sure if that’s a nickname that should stick.

5. Dimez’ evolution as a player and leader this year has been eye-opening. The way that he communicates with his teammates has a definite uptick in patience and control versus last season.  He seems to understands what his role will need to be if Mavs Gaming is going to be successful.

6. While most eyes were on Ramo when Pacers Gaming took on Pistons GT, WoLF 74 set the tempo for the whole team. He did an excellent job on MrStylez and continued his run as one of the best, if not the best, pure locks in the league. With how important point guards are this season, he is my early leader for DPOY. Rim protection is very important, but elite perimeter defense will be the difference this season.

Night 3 Notes:

1. No matter what side of the rivalry you are on, we can all agree that Mavs Gaming vs. Wizards District Gaming was fantastic theater. The electricity in the arena during the game can’t be understated, it was a special environment.

2. The game meant a lot to both Dayfri and Dimez, but the way their respective teams owned the moment was extremely impressive. Fantastic job by both coaches for keeping their teams focused.

3. Even with Radiant, BearDaBeast, and iamadamthe1st on a bye, the point guard position as on display on Night 3. Bp of Kings Guard and Rando of Hawks Talon GC were put in the spotlight and lived up to the hype. In a league where you almost have to have a great point guard, both of those franchises are set.

4. The best moment of the week came when Hawks Talon GC started interacting with a group of kids that came to watch the games. They signed autographs, gave away merch, and Arsonal even gave up his beloved hat! YouFamousEnough said it best, they gave those kids a memory they won’t forget.

Team Content You May Have Missed:

• T’Wolves Gaming made a great video with BearDaBeast and Nacho.
• Blazer5 Gaming started a new series called the B5 files. Episode 1 is here.
• Heat Check Gaming also started a new series this week aptly named, Heat Checkin.
• CLTX Gaming continued their series, this time talking with their players about superlatives.

Quotes Of The Week:

“Oh, we’re back. We’re back and we’re just getting better and better every week.” — Blazer5 Gaming’s Mama Im Dat Man on the demise of his team being greatly exaggerated.

“We’ve been battling through a lot of adversity, making a lot of changes. But, man, I love this team. We’ve got a lot of heart, we mesh well on and off the court. I may be Player of the Game, but I’m nowhere near it in the game. It’s got to go to the four guys besides me. Without them I can’t do any of this. They just make me look good.” — Lakers Gaming’s Mootyy on the relief of helping his team get into the win column.

“I was sitting at home for a while waiting for my visa to come through. It is a different environment here in person. It’s awesome so far, the environment is insane, everyone is loud.” — Pistons GT’s Jaacko following his season debut after arriving from New Zealand.