Magic Gaming’s Rally Comes Up Short Against Wizards District Gaming
May 26, 2022
The Lead
Magic Gaming overcame a slow start and had several chances to go in front after trailing by double digits most of the first half before falling 58-51 to back-to-back defending champion Wizards District Gaming on Thursday night in their second of five group play games in THE TURN.
Top Magic Gaming Performers
Although he did turn the ball over five times, Christopher “Duck” Charles delivered another solid all-around performance with 17 points and six assists. Last season’s NBA 2K League Most Improved Player, Duck was dealt to Orlando earlier this season in a four-team blockbuster trade that also featured Justin “Kapp” Kaplan, the Magic’s 10th overall pick in the 2022 draft, going to Washington. Orlando’s frontcourt duo of Blaine “BigReign” Wilson and Robert “May” May combined for 20 points and 18 rebounds.
Clutch Moments
With his team hanging on by a thread, Ryan “Dayfri” Conger connected on a layup to put the Wizards up three with 2:40 remaining in the fourth quarter. A few possessions later, the 2020 Finals MVP slammed home a dunk to extend the lead to five. Manuel “Newdini” Newman and Duck each had dunks themselves for their respective sides in between those two Dayfri baskets.
Key Stats
Both teams struggled from 3-point range. The Wizards buried just eight of their 23 attempts, while the Magic knocked down seven of their 22 tries. Turnovers played a big factor, as Orlando coughed it up four more times than Washington.
Quotes of the Night
“It helps us recognize where we can be within this league. We are really confident going into next week being one-and-one…Comparing it to the TIPOFF tournament, we are going to be able to go into next week and be confident and feel like we can actually win some games and go to Indianapolis.” – May
“I would say we definitely are a more confident group (and confident) in our ability. There is more talent in the room, and that’s going to make everyone a little more confident going into each game. I think our approach is as good as it can get right now. I walk in six, seven hours before game-time, and I see guys in there watching film. This is not a regular three-and-ten team in this league. This is a team that wants to win and is motivated to turn this thing around, and we believe in our abilities.” – Magic Gaming General Manager and Head Coach Jonah Edwards
Up Next
While Kapp has now played against his former team, next week will be Duck’s turn to do the same when Magic Gaming and Knicks Gaming square off on Tuesday at 8 p.m. New York has struggled to this point of THE TURN. After losing to Washington themselves earlier this week, they were blown out by Heat Check Gaming on Thursday. Anthony “Ant SZN” Costanzo, acquired by the Knicks in that same four-team trade, finished with 19 points and eight assists in the loss to Miami.