Magic Gaming Rolls Past NBL Oz Gaming to Claim SLAM OPEN 3v3 Series Victory

The Lead: Magic Gaming entered the 2024 NBA 2K League season with high expectations, especially in 3v3 action. While their performance on the first day of SLAM OPEN action did not meet their standards, they responded with a strong showing on day two.

“I would definitely say I was eager,” said Magic Gaming point guard Joshua “unguardable” Hunter. “I came in early to watch film, because with the team we have, we’re not supposed to go out like (we did yesterday). Losing two games, our first two especially, is not a good look. It didn’t feel good. I feel like we had to change the narrative.”

Game 1: Determined to bounce back from a pair of tough defeats the night before, Magic Gaming came out with aggression on both ends of the floor. Unguardable notched game highs in points (12) and assists (four) to lift Magic Gaming to a 22-17 win in the series opener. Rookie lockdown Julian “Jboolin” Manzanares went a perfect 4-for-4 from the floor on his way to eight points.

“We had to come out and punch right away to show that we really are one of the better teams in the league,” Jboolin explained. “We just had to come out and be confident and be true to ourselves.”

Game 2: In 3v3 action, early deficits can be extremely difficult to overcome. That was the case for Orlando in Game 2 as it dropped a 23-18 decision to NBL Oz Gaming. Ja’Ron “Bagmotion” Baylor fired off 14 points, including a game-winning 3-pointer, for NBL Oz.

Orlando rallied back from an early 9-2 deficit and had several opportunities to take the lead late, but it was unable to convert on a number of 3-point attempts down the stretch. Unguardable led his squad with 10 points and three dimes.

Game 3: Magic Gaming’s general manager and head coach Jonah Edwards wanted to see more resiliency out of his squad after a disappointing showing on opening day. That message appeared to be well received as Orlando shook off a tough Game 2 loss and responded with a 22-17 Game 3 triumph.

Unguardable fired off 10 points, big man Ashton “LowkeyGodlike” Agredano added seven, and Jboolin scored five. Magic Gaming’s ball movement was tremendous as each player notched three assists.

“We’re a better team than what we showed yesterday,” unguardable explained. “I feel like we proved that today.”

Game 4: Magic Gaming ensured there would be no crazy comeback efforts against them on Friday night. Instead, they used an extremely efficient, well-balanced performance to claim the game and the series with a 22-16 victory. Jboolin and LowkeyGodlike each went a perfect 4-for-4 from the floor and tallied eight points apiece, while unguardable notched six points and five assists.

“One thing we were talking about from yesterday coming into today was taking what’s there,” said Jboolin, who threw down the series-clinching slam. “If they give us a two, take it right away and trust our defense. Tonight, it showed. We were playing better defense than yesterday. We took the twos, played defense, and came out with a victory.”

Quote to Note: “Even being 1-2, I feel like we honestly have the most talented three out of everyone in the league. We were predicted as one of the overall favorites. So, people know how good we are. We just have to put it to paper. I feel like we did what we had to do. I have two guys (next to me) who can go for 15 (points) by themselves. So, I’ll happily take the back seat when it’s needed.” – unguardable

Up Next: Magic Gaming continues SLAM OPEN 3v3 group play action on Sunday when it heads up to Charlotte for an in-person matchup against Hornets Venom GT at 2 p.m. ET.

How to Watch: Fans can watch games live on the NBA 2K League’s Twitch and YouTube channels.