Magic Gaming Slips Down the Stretch in TIPOFF Loss to Cavs Legion GC

ORLANDO – What people remember about Magic Gaming’s 2024 3v3 season is that they were the most consistent team in the NBA 2K League. Not only did they come away with a banner title, but they were also the only squad to make the grand finals in both of the league’s tournaments (SLAM OPEN and SWITCH OPEN) as well as in the playoffs.

What people forget is that Orlando dropped its first two group play matchups in that mode before turning the tide of its season.

Magic Gaming’s 5v5 campaign got off to a similar start on Wednesday night. Turnovers plagued Orlando down the stretch as it fell to Cavs Legion GC 70-63 in its TIPOFF group play opener.

“You have to have a short memory in the 2K League – certainly in the 5v5 season,” said Magic Gaming general manager and head coach Jonah Edwards. “We’re obviously going to aim to do that. In the 3v3 season, we turned things around quickly, but we don’t have as much time to recover, frankly. So, we have to make sure it’s a sharp turn here.”

Orlando entered the final frame of the contest with a one-point lead. However, Magic Gaming coughed up the ball six times in the fourth quarter. Orlando finished the matchup with 11 giveaways, while Cleveland only had one.

“Turnovers were certainly the difference in the game,” said Edwards. “(Cleveland) dictated the pace of the game on both ends.”

Cavs point guard Antoine “Antoine” Featherstone erupted for 17 of his team-high 25 points in the fourth quarter. Cleveland shooting guard Brian “Killeyy” Diaz scored 22, while center Malik “Slaughter” Leisinger notched 12 points and 14 rebounds.

For Orlando, point guard Joshua “unguardable” Hunter – a 3v3 MVP finalist – recorded game highs in points (27) and assists (11). Shooting guard Darjean “ReturnOfDJ” Henderson, making his Magic Gaming debut after being acquired by Orlando this offseason, added 19 points.

UP NEXT: Magic Gaming returns to TIPOFF group play action on Thursday when they face Wizards District Gaming at 9 p.m. ET.

“They’re another aggressive defensive team,” said Edwards. “We’re going to have to make sure we handle the ball (and) score the ball. I don’t think we were very good or in rhythm on offense at all tonight.”

HOW TO WATCH: Fans can watch games live on the NBA 2K League’s Twitch and YouTube channels.