Magic Gaming Looks for 3v3 Playoff Berth via the STEAL OPEN

ORLANDO – This week could prove to be one of the most important stretches in Magic Gaming’s history.

Orlando has the opportunity to reach the postseason for the first time in the NBA 2K League’s five-year existence if it’s able to play up to its potential and rattle off three straight wins in the STEAL OPEN. The 2KL’s final 3v3 tournament of the season grants a playoff spot to one team in each conference that’s able to win its bracket, which is comprised of squads not currently in the postseason picture.

“We certainly understand the importance of this week,” said Magic Gaming General Manager and Head Coach Jonah Edwards, whose team traveled out to Indianapolis for the in-person tournament. “I do feel like it’s a big week for our organization. If nothing else, it will showcase our level of improvement during the course of the season. We said all along we were going to be prepared for this moment.”

Unlike many of the teams in this tournament, Orlando has yet to hit its peak. That’s because just over one month ago, Magic Gaming shook up their roster when they acquired point guard Joshua “unguardable” Hunter in a massive four-team deal. Since then, Orlando has been a completely different team, especially in 3v3 play.

“We feel good about that move every day,” said Edwards. “It’s worked out even better than I anticipated. The amount he’s brought to this team has been phenomenal as far as just a 2K mind as well as a phenomenal player. And really a solid teammate as well.”

His impact on the franchise was felt during 3v3 seed weeks as he led Orlando to a 4-1 record and was subsequently named the final 2022 NBA 2K League Player of the Week.

His shining series during seed week action came against Charlotte as he rattled off 14.3 points per game to help Magic Gaming sweep Hornets Venom GT, 3-0.

Unguardable will attempt to repeat that effort on Wednesday when Orlando tips off action in the STEAL OPEN against Charlotte at 8 p.m. ET (game action could begin as soon as 7:30 p.m. if earlier series don’t go the distance).

Hornets Venom GT has rotated their 3v3 squad throughout the season, but center Damon “DJ” Jones has been the one constant. With DJ likely to choose an inside-center build similar to that of Magic Gaming big man Robert “May” May, securing rebounds will be a huge focus for Orlando against Charlotte.

Magic Gaming will also need lockdown defender Matthew “Matty” Grant and unguardable to work in unison on the defensive end to limit Hornets Venom GT’s outside shooting. With Charlotte likely to run a two-guard lineup in 3v3, it will certainly be aiming to get up as many triples as possible in this matchup.

“We feel really confident,” said Edwards of the team’s outlook heading into the contest. “We feel like we’re one of the teams to beat here in Indy this week. We’ve had a good week of practice.”

How 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.