Magic Gaming Comes Up Short Against Wizards District Gaming in TIPOFF Group Play

ORLANDO – In the 5v5 opener on Wednesday against Cavs Legion GC, it was the first couple minutes of the fourth quarter where things got away for Magic Gaming. In Thursday’s contest, against Wizards District Gaming, it was the last couple minutes of the final frame where the game was lost.

Orlando led by four with two minutes left before Washington recaptured momentum with a combination of clutch threes and stout defense in its 74-69 victory in TIPOFF group play.

Benjamin “Benzo” Bernstein, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA 2K League Draft, started the Wizards’ late run with a 3-pointer with 1:54 remaining. Exactly a minute later, Antonio “Newdini” Newman drilled a triple of his own that gave Washington a four-point lead. Brandon “BRich” Richardson’s 3-pointer with 28 seconds left would basically seal it.

“Similar tale of the tape as yesterday where we just had a lot of breakdowns defensively, especially with communication that led to really big mental lapses and 3-point shots for the other team,” Magic Gaming general manager and head coach Jonah Edwards said. “Leaving people wide open on the perimeter, especially when that’s their only source of offense, is not going to get it done. We are going to make some changes and see how things go.”

The game was a seesaw battle throughout. Neither team ever gained full control, which led to the close finish. The score was even at 33 at halftime.

Ashton “LowkeyGodlike” Agredano, playing on the popper build, racked up 22 points, nine rebounds and four assists for Orlando, while Joshua “unguardable” Hunter posted 18 points and 12 dimes and Justin “Snubby” Stemerman had 11 points.

Benzo led Washington with 20 points and 13 assists, while BRich scored 17 and Xavier “Type” Vescovi tallied 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Washington hit three more 3-pointers than Orlando and out-rebounded them by eight.

UP NEXT: Magic Gaming returns to TIPOFF group play action on Friday when they take on NBL Oz Gaming at 6 p.m. ET.

“NBL Oz has been in a full five out,” Edwards said. “Ceez has been really, really sharp for them.  Bagmotion has been really good at kind of forcing fluky turnovers and running the break. They are a tricky team to guard. We are going to have to really analyze the film in a short turnaround here and see exactly what we are facing.”

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