What a week in the NBA 2K League. People have had wide-ranging opinions on 3v3, but if you gave it a chance this week, I’m not sure how you wouldn’t be hooked. Intense gameplay, crazy comebacks, star players going crazy – we really had it all. And now, somehow, it gets even crazier. Next week begins the double elimination bracket round as we get closer and closer to our first in-person games in 2023 in Washington D.C. For now, let’s go through five takeaways from Week 2.

 

1. Bucks Gaming is coming for it all

 

8-0 series record. For more context, 24-11 within those series. 3.11 point differential. This team is damn good. Like, are we sure they aren’t the favorites in 3v3, good? Cooks is taking the sophomore year leap at PG that is vital to be a superstar in this league. Every single great PG has taken the second year leap, so seeing Cooks elevate his level to this is very promising. He’s making Dawsix and JohhnyRed better simply by playing his normal game, something that is a lot harder than it’s made out to be. There are a lot of dribble heads and ISO guards in this league, but to see Cooks get it done by being a point of attack guy for a team is very satisfying. Speaking of his teammates, Dawsix and Johhny are in the middle of second year leaps themselves. In any series they play, you could argue they always have the three best guys in the series and that is an incredible advantage to have. They are already the reigning 5v5 champions, but Milwaukee may have some more hardware in them.

2. DUX Infinitos might be better

 

The only argument against Bucks Gaming being the current 3v3 favorites is how ridiculously good DUX Infinitos have been. They started fine, but as soon as they made the lineup switch to put Lord Beezus in at PF and move LowkeyGodlike at SF, they have absolutely taken off. They have the best win % in the league at 75%, the best pt. differential at 3.32, the best offense at 20.6 PPG, and due to how lethal theyve been, they’ve played the least amount of games of any team in the league. They put on an absolute clinic in Week 2, a 4-0 record is only the beginning for this team. Special shoutout to Killeyy who has also taken a  leap this year. His leadership and energy light up the DUX Infinitos team room whenever we get a glimpse. I think he’s in the middle of a nice maturity bump. DUX’s issue last year was not being able to sustain that success, so it remains their bigger test. Still…this DUX team would kick the crap out of their team last year.

 

3. Uh, what happened to Kings Guard Gaming?

 

I mean, sheesh, 0-8?! With that roster? They are 5-24 in total games played! How is a roster with Regg, Bash, Bray, Kerry, and Dimez playing this poorly so early? I could understand some early chemistry issues, maybe they fight their way to a .500 or slightly worse record, but this?! It’s just not acceptable. I’m not going to sit here and pretend like I know what is going on with Dimez, but the fact we haven’t seen him in a single game or heck, even in the room when the team is playing tells me all I need to know. Something very concerning is going on in Sacramento. Their boom or bust potential was obvious as they made moves this offseason, but to be a bust this early? Never would’ve seen that coming.

 

4. Watch out for the Community Teams

 

I spent a good chunk of my Monday night watching the Community Team Closed Qualifier and I think all 2KL teams should be put on notice. Some of these teams look even better than Handlez did last year. Now credit, we haven’t seen them against league teams yet, but I think there will be a few upsets next week. Might not be all seven teams, but I think 1-2 are going to sneak through to in-person D.C. play. Glo Navy went 16-5 in qualifiers and won the qualifier with ease. Dot Squad has a pt. differential of almost four a game, these teams are not to be trifled with. XSET vs. Bucks Gaming will also be must-watch 2K. I can’t wait to see NotEliteShooter and company go toe-to-toe with an undefeated Milwaukee squad.

 

5. Special shoutout to the broadcast crew

 

I did one of these early last year, but great week for the broadcast team as a whole. We started showing way more Game 5s on the main channel and I think the production team turned things up a notch this week. I’m heavily biased, but even excluding me, this is one of the best talent groups in esports. Dirk’s improvement at play-by-play is shocking, he’s really starting to own his style. JT has made his own sophomore year leap at the desk. He’s improving by the show and man, it’s great having Velly in the lineup. His energy and know-how have been incredibly valuable. Nate Patrick has brought a lot of great info and an even better Australian presence and NBL Oz Gaming knowledge to his first year with the crew – everyone is at the top of their game. As the season goes on, we’ll continue to add back familiar faces like India, Autumn, Jasmine, and plenty others. We hope everyone is enjoying the show. Eight shows down, plenty more to go! Thanks for the support as always, we do what we do for the audience.