Magic Gaming Falls to Raptors Uprising GC in TIPOFF Opener Despite Strong Debuts for Kapp, BigReign

The Lead

Center Blaine “BigReign” Wilson posted 22 points and 10 rebounds and point guard Justin “Kapp” Kaplan recorded 17 points and five rebounds in their NBA 2K League debuts, but Magic Gaming was unable to slow down Raptors Uprising GC in an 82-56 loss in their first group play game of THE TIPOFF on Wednesday night.

Top Magic Gaming Performers

Kapp, selected 10th overall by Orlando in the 2022 NBA 2K League Draft, made five of his nine floor shots, including four of his six attempts from 3-point range. Reign, meanwhile, connected on 10 of his 11 shots from the field. The Magic’s other new addition, Matt “Matty” Grant, made four of his 11 shot attempts and finished with nine points, three rebounds and three steals.

Key Stretch

Toronto took control of the game late in the first quarter with 12 unanswered points. Kenneth “Kenny Got Work” Hailey made two 3-pointers and had a dunk during that stretch, while Artreyo “Dimez” Boyd, playing center this season after years at guard, also jammed one home and buried a pair of free throws.

Key Stats

Resembling their 2020 team that went undefeated until the playoff semifinals, Raptors Uprising GC compiled 25 assists and drilled 14 3-pointers. Emmanuel “FantaSZN” Gosman, Toronto’s seventh overall pick in the 2022 draft, buried six triples as part of his 20-point, 12-assist performance.

Quote of the Night

“BigReign was great tonight. No surprises there. BigReign’s great every game. He’s really, really consistent. He’s an elite-level passer. At the end of the day, I trust Reign – his decision-making, his playmaking ability – amongst any center in the 2K League, any player in the 2K League, really. I thought Reign was great. It’s obviously stunning for him to have a great game like that and get beat in the fashion that we did, but his head should be held high as we move into tomorrow’s game.” – Magic Gaming General Manager and Head Coach Jonah Edwards

Up Next

Magic Gaming’s second of five TIPOFF group play games will take place Thursday, April 7 at 7:45 p.m. against Knicks Gaming. In their first game of the tournament, the Knicks let a double-digit halftime lead slip away in a 69-64 loss to Hornets Venom GT. Four-year NBA 2K League veteran Malik “OriginalMalik” Hobson erupted for 31 points and Ludlow “Glo” Samuels, New York’s first-round draft pick a year ago, recorded 10 points and 11 rebounds.