Duck Delivers Dynamic Debut, But Grizz Gaming Comes Away with Series Sweep Over Magic Gaming

The Lead:

Just hours after touching down in Orlando, Christopher “Duck” Charles – who was acquired by Magic Gaming from Knicks Gaming as part of a four-team trade on Monday – stepped on the virtual hardwood as his new team’s starting point guard on Tuesday night in 3v3 action. The reigning NBA 2K League Most Improved Player posted team-high totals of 28 points and nine assists in Orlando’s SLAM OPEN matchup with Memphis. However, Magic Gaming struggled on the defensive end to contain Michael “BP” Diaz-Cruz as Grizz Gaming came away with a 3-0 series victory.

Game 1:

If you were wondering how long it would take for Duck to have an impact on his new team, the answer was not long. The third-year point guard scored Magic Gaming’s first eight points and either knocked down or assisted every bucket in Game 1. However, BP set up Jordan “JMoney” Martinez for a game-winning layup in Memphis’ 21-18 victory over Orlando.

Duck led Magic Gaming with 14 points, two assists, and two steals. BP posted team highs in points (14) and assists (three) for Grizz Gaming.

“It went down to the wire,” Duck explained. “I wish we could have taken the (win), but when it comes to me scoring consistently, it’s all because of (the team). They’re allowing me to bring the ball up, letting me do what I have to do. They’re just making me very comfortable. I feel if we can continue that, then the sky is the limit for where this team can go to in three v three and even five v five.”

Game 2:

Duck knocked down a go-ahead 3-pointer to put Orlando up one, but JMoney was able break away from the defense and drill a game-winning 3-pointer in Grizz Gaming’s 23-21 triumph over Magic Gaming.

“That one stung, because I thought we were going to win that game for sure and give ourselves a chance to move on in the series,” said Magic Gaming General Manager and Head Coach Jonah Edwards. “It was just a super unlucky play.”

Orlando small forward Matt “Matty” Grant poured in a team-high 11 points, while Duck added 10 points and five assists. Memphis was led by BP, who again registered team highs in points (13) and assists (four).

Game 3:

BP went a scorching 5-for-6 from downtown as Grizz Gaming pulled away late from Magic Gaming in a 23-13 series-clinching win.

BP finished with 15 points and three dimes. Matty put up a squad-best nine points for Orlando.

Quotes to Note:

“As soon as I touched down, I felt the love. All of the guys are very supportive of me. They made me feel like family right away. They just brought me up to speed on all of the plays, everything they want to run, how they like to run it, (and) stuff they like to do. I just felt very comforted. They were very nice towards me.” – Duck on coming to Orlando

“When we saw Duck was available, we jumped at the opportunity. The priority was getting him here as quickly as we can. Duck is a really smart kid. You can tell within five minutes of meeting him. He’s going to catch on quick and he did catch on quick.” – Edwards

Up Next:

Magic Gaming once again goes head-to-head with the Gen.G Tigers of Shanghai on Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET. Last week, the 3v3 matchup between these two clubs went the distance with Gen.G rallying back from a 2-1 series deficit to claim the victory. Gen.G’s Jaiden “OTTR” Frank, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA 2K League Draft, will once again be a focal point both as a scorer and a facilitator.

Where to Watch:

Fans can watch games live on the NBA 2K League’s Twitch and YouTube channels. Games will also be available on Dash Radio, eGG Network in Southeast Asia, Loco in India, and Sport1 in Europe.