Magic Gaming’s TIPOFF Run Comes to an End Against 76ers GC

After an impressive start to the TIPOFF, Magic Gaming’s run in the NBA 2K League’s first 5v5 tournament of the season came to an end on Wednesday night as Orlando dropped a 2-1 series to 76ers GC in on-stage bracket play action.

“We have high expectations of ourselves, so we want to improve, and we want to continue to show that we’re a contending-level team in this league,” said Magic Gaming General Manager and Head Coach Jonah Edwards. “We think we have the group. We have what it takes to be a playoff team.”

Game 1: 76ers GC 81, Magic Gaming 76 

Magic Gaming point guard Joshua “unguardable” Hunter erupted for a game-high 35 points and a contest-best 14 assists, but Orlando came up just short in an 81-76 loss to Philadelphia.

“They had some good late clock offense to spark them,” said Edwards. “We were really close to winning, but a couple of breaks went their way. Those ones are the tough ones when you let one slip away.”

The loss spoiled a sensational showing for the second-year floor general, who was phenomenal from the jump as he scored or assisted every single Magic Gaming bucket in the first frame. Unguardable was also extremely efficient, going a scorching 14-for-17 from the floor and a perfect 6-for-6 from downtown.

“He had a great game one,” Edwards explained. “You can’t say anything otherwise. He was pretty much perfect on the offensive end.”

Orlando power forward Robert “May” May tallied 12 points, two rebounds, and three assists, center Devin “Scoreo” Lawrence posted 10 points and eight rebounds, and small forward Matthew “Matty” Grant scored 10.

Philadelphia point guard Andre “Dre” Marshall led his squad with 25 points and eight assists, while center Damon “DJ” Jones notched 18 points, eight rebounds, and four dimes.

Game 2: Magic Gaming 72, 76ers GC 71 

Matty drained a game-winning mid-range jumper as time expired to give Magic Gaming a thrilling 72-71 victory over 76ers GC.

The big bucket helped Orlando overcome a series of adversity. After Magic Gaming relinquished a once 18-point lead, Orlando had unguardable wide open for the go-ahead shot with 4.0 seconds left when the team called an untimely timeout.

However, Orlando remained composed during the stoppage, regrouped, and found Matty for the game-winning bucket.

“It was a great shot by Matt and a great play call in the huddle,” said Edwards. “It was actually a play we started drawing up and running today based off all the film we’ve been watching on other teams. We pulled it out of our pocket and Robby made the right read up top and Matt had an open look. We knocked it down.”

Unguardable led Magic Gaming in both points (25) and assists (15), while shooting guard Jarvis “Simptoms” Thompson scored 16. Scoreo posted 12 points and six rebounds, May notched 10 points and five rebounds, and Matty finished with nine points.

Dre led Philadelphia with 26 points and nine assists.

Game 3: 76ers GC 75, Magic Gaming 64 

Unfortunately for Orlando, the momentum from its exhilarating Game 2 victory did not carry over to the series finale. Magic Gaming fell behind early and was unable to rally back as they dropped a 75-64 decision to 76ers GC.

“They played as perfect as you can play,” said Edwards. “They were in such a groove offensively, it was hard to fight back. They made good decisions down the stretch. They’re a solid team.”

Dre recorded a game-high 25 points to go along with nine assists. Philadelphia shooting guard Enrique “630” Xavier Barraza scored 20, while DJ racked up 16 points and 15 boards.

Unguardable led Orlando with 23 points and 10 assists.

Up Next: Magic Gaming returns to action on Wednesday, June 21 when they face NBL Oz Gaming at 9 p.m. ET to tip off group play in THE TURN tournament.