Finally matching up to the prowess of their real-life counterparts, the Warriors Gaming Squad put on a dominant display in the Grand Finals of “The Turn” NBA 2K League tournament this weekend, beating the heavily-favored 76ers GC, 58-39, at the HyperX Esports Arena in Las Vegas.
The 76ers started the tournament as clear favorites, having won “The Tipoff” preseason tournament earlier this year. On their way to the finals, the 76ers solidified their claim as one of the best teams, beating the likes of the Hawks Talon GC, Celtics Crossover Gaming, and Bucks Gaming.
The Warriors have been underdogs throughout, following a last-place finish last season with an abysmal 4-10 record. However, strong wins against Heat Check Gaming, Mavs GG, and Jazz Gaming, saw them through to the finals and a chance at the upset.
Despite their underdog status, it was the Warriors that were in control all game, locking down the 76ers with some stifling defense, and holding them to just 7 points in the first quarter — the first time the 76ers have been held to a single-digit quarter all season. The Warriors continued to grind their opponents down over the next two quarters, and did it again, holding the 76ers to just 9 points in the third. By the end of the third, they held a double-digit lead that would hold until the final buzzer.
Point Guard, Charles “CB13” Bostwick, and Shooting Guard, Alexander “Bsmoove” Reese, led a balanced offense with 17 points each. The duo also combined for 14 assists with only one turnover.
But it was Warriors Center, Xavier “Type” Vescovi, who was the MVP, finishing with a double-double with 14 points on 7-of-7 shooting, 13 rebounds, four steals, and a block to lead his team to the championship. The 2018 fourth-round pick has blossomed into one of the best two-way big men in the league, spearheading a stingy Warriors defense and becoming a premier pick-and-roll threat.
With their win, the Warriors take home the top prize of US$90,720 and one of the three coveted championship banners this season. They will be looking to take a second banner and a guaranteed spot in the 2K League playoffs at the last tournament of the season, “The Ticket”, in June.
The NBA 2K League will return with Week 5 of the 2019 Regular Season on May 15.
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