Magic Gaming Tops NBL Oz for First 5v5 Win of Season

ORLANDO – If Magic Gaming is hoping to follow the script of their 3v3 season, they’re doing an excellent job.

In threes, Orlando started off 0-2 before defeating NBL Oz Gaming and subsequently going on a historic run. Magic Gaming finished their 3v3 campaign as the only team in the NBA 2K League to reach the grand finals in every tournament as well as the playoffs, and also bring home a banner title.

After an 0-2 start to its 5v5 campaign, Orlando noticed an interesting scheduling coincidence. The next team on its docket was once again NBL Oz.

With thought of repeating history in mind, Magic Gaming edged NBL Oz in a high-scoring affair 87-82 on Friday for their first win of the 2024 2KL 5v5 campaign.

“That was a funny coincidence,” said small forward Justin “Snubby” Stemerman, who tallied 12 points, six assists, and three steals. “The format in fives is definitely more unforgiving than in threes in terms of getting into bracket play. But as long as we focus on what we can do, I think we are the only ones who can beat ourselves.”

One night after switching center Ashton “LowkeyGodlike” Agredano to a popper build, Orlando moved point guard Joshua “unguardable” Hunter to a floor spacing slasher archetype in an effort to boost its offense. Mission accomplished.

Unguardable went a scorching 12-for-14 from the floor on his way to a team-high 30 points. The 3v3 MVP finalist also dished out 11 assists. Orlando shooting guard Darjean “ReturnOfDJ” Henderson poured in 22 points, while LowkeyGodlike added 14 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.

“It feels good,” said ReturnOfDJ. “It’s my first win as a (member of) the Orlando Magic. It feels great, especially after going 0-2. It was either win and keep fighting, or lose and the season (will feel like) it’s over. We came out trying to fight. So, it feels great.”

Orlando came away with a victory on a night where it did not deliver a peak defensive performance. NBL Oz point guard Caesar “Ceez” Martinez erupted for a contest-best 43 points, while going a perfect 18-for-18 from the field.

However, Magic Gaming came up with big stops when they needed them. None was bigger than a block by power forward Julian “Jboolin” Manzanares with 26.6 seconds left that not only sent away the shot by Cristian “Plu” Young, but also went out of bounds off of the NBL Oz power forward.

“It was key,” said ReturnOfDJ. “The way they play with a five-out play style, it’s tough to get stops … We knew we were one stop away from winning the game, and JB – he’s a big-time player – he made a play.”

UP NEXT: Magic Gaming returns to TIPOFF group play action on Wednesday when they square off with NetsGC at 8 p.m. ET.

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