The first group stage of 5v5 is in the books! Been a wonderful two weeks back in the classic gamemode and the action has lived up to the hype. Exciting rookies, up and coming stars, surprise teams, everything you could ask for the last two weeks has featured. With it being our first official recap fo 5v5, let’s drop five notes from the week! Keep an eye out for fresh power rankings dropping today too.

 

1. Holy **** Warriors Gaming Squad and T-Wolves Gaming are good.

 

Wow. We expected both of these teams to be good, but they are two fully operational battle stations. T-Wolves Gaming is back to their usual 3+D transition ball, leading the league with a near 70% FG% as a team. They move with a real intensity on the floor, I know I’d be a bit terrified seeing that roster running at me full speed off a steal. On the player side, BearDaBeast and Kaii have been just outstanding. 45 points per game combined with 15 assists per game on only 4 turnovers. They are the best duo in the league right now, it’s a pleasure to watch them share the court during the prime of their careers. However…I think Warriors Gaming Squad has been better. An 18.5 point differential, 58.3% shooting from 3. They are averaging 20 assists per game as a team! 20! The Seese trade has unlocked this team on both ends, allowing Mama and Kenny to feast in transition while giving CB and Mama and elite corner player on offense that can shoot and move the ball when needed. Can’t wait to watch these two  teams square off, hopefully we get the chance.

 

2. NBL Oz Gaming. Real Contender? Or Dux Infinitos Part 2?

 

Let’s start with the good. NBL Oz Gaming has been excellent so far to open up 5v5 action. 5-1 record, 4th best point differential in the league, 3rd best defense, they have been good. Their front court has been excellent. Seeing Sick One back in his usual bag of tricks is always pleasure. His defense and playmaking from the Center position is very unique. Always fun seeing him pick out passes off rebounds and get them started off the break. Of course, we have to talk about Harry too. His individual numbers are just okay, but good enough for this team to succeed. Not to mention, he is elite at the end of games, something to keep in the back of your mind for the future. His lack of turnovers is a big + for me, averaging under 2 a game currently. The only cause for concern with NBL Oz is their lack of 3 point shooting. They average only 6 makes a game and are shooting under 43% as a team from distance. They do a good job forcing missed 3s which has been keeping them afloat, but if a team starts knocking them down, I hope they are able to keep up. Last year, Dux could not and saw their TIPOFF hopes fade in Round 1. Let’s see if NBL can buck the expansion team trend and make a run.

 

3. Shooting Guards are back

 

After a very weird first week where SG scoring was way down, it jumped right back up in Week 2. The usual suspects have been leading the pack. JohhnyRed with 28 ppg, ShiftyKaii and Malik at 23 ppg, Mama getting into the mix with 21.5 ppg, Chess and ReturnofDj at 21 ppg, and how about Kel back in the league at almost 20 ppg. The position has really evolved over the past few seasons from being just a catch and shoot option to a true offensive playmaker. Not to mention, the influx of talent has been fantastic to watch. Excited to see how the position continues to evolve this season.

 

4. Poppers are back…kinda

 

The first two weeks have seen a serious advancement at Center. Teams are starting to run 5-out offenses which requires the center to be able to shoot 3s. People in the league have been clamoring for this for years, myself included, and early returns have been…okay? Outside of Slaughter and T-Wolves Gaming, who in fairness have been insane (see note 1), it’s been a bit ugly? Seeing Ria and OneWildWalnut away from the rim so often is a bit odd and you can see that their teams are a bit wonky because of it. Even Dux Infinitos with LowkeyGodlike, who you’d think would be the perfect team for it, look uncomfortable with it right now. It might be a time thing, but so far teams not named T-Wolves Gaming have a negative record using the popper build. Is it truly an advancement or just a fad? In-person play will give us the true answer.

 

5. Let’s Talk Match-ups

 

T-Wolves Gaming vs.  Pistons GT

Bucks Gaming vs. Blazer5 Gaming

Warriors Gaming Squad vs. Dux Infinitos

Grizz Gaming vs. Pacers Gaming

 

NBL Oz Gaming vs. Hornets Venom GT

Cavs Legion GC vs. Gen.G Tigers

Celtics Crossover Gaming vs. 76ers GC

Heat Check Gaming vs. Magic Gaming

 

So many awesome matchups to open up TIPOFF bracket play. Bear vs. Ant. Cp vs. Greenlight. Harry vs. AntoineLove. Ky vs. Unguardable. So many awesome PG battles, not to mention some of the defensive clashes coming between Boston and Philly or Cavs Legion and Gen.G. Next week is going to be one for the history books, I can feel it.