Magic Gaming Sweeps Raptors Uprising GC to Start Off STEAL OPEN

Magic Gaming took the first step on Friday night at defending their 2022 NBA 2K League STEAL OPEN banner title.

Orlando delivered a stifling defensive performance from start to finish in a 3-0 series sweep of Raptors Uprising GC.

Magic Gaming is now just two series victories away from clinching a 3v3 playoff berth and three triumphs away from hoisting the STEAL OPEN trophy for the second straight year.

“It would feel even better this year if we’re able to get it done,” said Magic Gaming General Manager and Head Coach Jonah Edwards. “We’d prove even more people wrong. I really do think it’s possible that we’re the team that can get our heads on straight enough to make it work.”

Game 1: Magic Gaming put forth a staunch defensive effort in the series opener to earn a 22-15 victory over Raptors Uprising GC.

Orlando point guard Joshua “unguardable” Hunter was magnificent on both ends of the floor, notching 10 points and five assists to go along with two steals. Small forward Matthew “Matty” Grant went a perfect 5-for-5 from the floor and put up 10 points.

Game 2: Unguardable drove baseline for a game-winning two-handed slam to give Magic Gaming a 21-19 victory.

“It was a fantastic job just to be resilient,” said Edwards. “We’ve gotten so much better in late-game situations and making it tough on our opponents. It’s shown in our game play. We’re much, much better from behind or in games within one or two possessions. It’s great to see.”

Orlando’s floor general finished the contest with 15 points and three assists. Power forward Robert “May” May added four points, two rebounds, and two steals.

Magic Gaming’s triumph spoiled a 19-point outing from Toronto point guard Jamaal “Mooch” Gill.

Game 3: Magic Gaming once again used their defense to generate offense in a 22-15 win over Raptors Uprising GC.

Each member of Orlando’s lineup was able to pick off Mooch at some point in the contest as Magic Gaming baited Toronto’s floor general into a series of bad decisions and turnovers.

Unguardable tallied nine points and three assists, May knocked down the game-sealing three and scored seven, and Matty added six points.

Up Next: Magic Gaming will continue STEAL OPEN action on Saturday night against the winner of Pacers Gaming and Team Europe.

“The main word I would point to is focus,” said Edwards. “We just have to stay engaged and stay focused and be resilient. The talent is there, the game plan will be there, and the game play will be there. We’ll have opportunities all night tomorrow night. If we’re able to capitalize, we’ll be the team that holds up the trophy yet again. At this point we’re two series wins away from a playoff berth and three away from defending the STEAL championship. That’s where our head is at. One series at a time.”