Magic Gaming Back in Action for Second Week of SLAM OPEN Group Play

The Lead

With the newly acquired Christopher “Duck” Charles on board, Magic Gaming resumes 3v3 SLAM OPEN group play this week with rematches against Grizz Gaming, the Gen.G Tigers of Shanghai, and amateur team Handlez.

In the News

As part of Monday’s four-team blockbuster trade, the Magic landed Duck, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA 2K League. The third-year point guard averaged 26.7 points and 9.6 assists in the regular season a year ago with Knicks Gaming. In the deal, Orlando sent Wizards District Gaming Justin “Kapp” Kaplan, Washington shipped Tyrell “Ty” Johnson to Kings Guard Gaming and Sacramento dealt Anthony “Ant SZN” Costanzo to New York. The Wizards and Kings also did a pick swap as Washington sent a future first round pick to Sacramento in exchange for a future second round pick.

Tuesday, May 3 at 8 p.m. vs. Grizz Gaming

Michael “BP” Diaz-Cruz, one of the NBA 2K League’s top 3v3 players, led the Grizzlies to a 3-1 series victory over the Magic in their first SLAM OPEN meeting. Formerly with the Kings and Hawks, BP set the tone with 17 points in Game 1. Justin “Jrod” Rodriguez and Jordan “JMoney” Martinez each hit winning 3-pointers in Memphis’ other two victories. Justin “Snubby” Stemerman scored in double figures in two of the four games, including pouring in 13 points in Orlando’s Game 3 win.

Wednesday, May 4 at 10 p.m. vs. Gen.G

The first series between these two squads went the distance. The Magic took a 2-1 lead with wins in Games 2 and 3 before the Tigers roared back with victories in the final two contests. Jaiden “OTTR” Frank, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA 2K League Draft, had a couple big scoring games, but it was his playmaking in the decisive Game 5 that propelled Gen.G. Robert “May” May had his best series of the week, totaling 31 points in the five games combined.

Friday, May 6 at 7 p.m. vs. Handlez

Handlez wasted no time showing the entire NBA 2K community why they are one of the best amateur teams on the circuit. They swept the Magic in their first series before beating Gen.G 3-1 and Grizz Gaming 3-2. Power forward xmiami2k led Handlez in their series against Orlando with 32 points in the three contests combined.

Quote of the Week

“Along with being a smart kid, he’s a scorer. He’s the kind of guy who can orchestrate a team on offense, put the pieces where he wants them to go, and just go get us a basket when we need it. I think that’s something we may have been lacking over the last couple of years here.” – Magic Gaming General Manager and Head Coach Jonah Edwards on Duck

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.