By JJ Beale

Brooklyn’s 2K Team entered the 3v3 Playoffs with one goal in mind: bring home the franchise’s first banner. The road to achieve this goal would not be easy as NetsGC faced a formidable path in the playoffs as the eight seed. First, they would have to match up against familiar foe Cavs Legion GC and then finally conquer a rival,  T-Wolves Gaming. From there, it would be a challenge to claim the second-ever 3v3 title in NBA 2K League history. NetsGC was up for the challenge when the lights were the brightest, matching up against Cavs Legion GC, T-Wolves Gaming, Glo Navy Glosquitos, Dux Infinitos and Pistons GT.

 

NetsGC defeat Cavs Legion GC 3-0

Player of the Series: Streetz (Small Forward)

Series Average: 5.3 PPG, 1.3 APG, 0.6 RPG, 0.6 SPG, 86% FG, 100% 3PT

NetsGC sent a statement to the league in round one of the playoffs. Facing a team in Cavs Legion GC that has caused them struggles in group play, NetsGC made the proper adjustments to cruise to an opening round victory. Stellar team defense defined the series for Brooklyn as they were able to force the Cavs into bad shots, applying pressure and causing turnovers. The offensive end for NetsGC was a well-oiled machine as rookie Greens controlled the tempo. Whether it was a strong take to the basket or drawing the defense for a kickout for three, the rookie sensation seemed to make the right decision every time. Streetz was the beneficiary of the offensive balance, spotting up for threes or cutting to the basket for an easy dunk. It was a complete team effort to set up a rematch with T-Wolves gaming.

 

NetsGC defeat T-Wolves Gaming 3-0

Player of the Series: Greens (Point Guard)

Series Average: 11.6 PPG, 2.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, 70% FG, 54% 3PT

Every phenom has their statement moment. A message sent across the league that they have arrived and will be a problem for the foreseeable future. That is exactly what Greens did in a series sweep against the top seed T-Wolves Gaming. The first statement was made as NetsGC held an 18-16 lead late in game one. T-Wolves gaming was able to hit a three to take a 19-18 lead and it seemed as if NetsGC would once again fall to their rival. Greens had a different idea, seeking out a three-pointer and knocking it down to steal the game one victory. From there, Brooklyn was able to dictate the momentum of the series, forcing turnovers and empty offensive possessions from the top seed. Greens’ ability to control the offense led to an efficient display of buckets as NetsGC swept the top seed to advance in the winner’s bracket.

 

NetsGC defeat Glo Navy Glosquitos 3-1

Player of the Series: Greens (Point Guard)

Series Average: 11.5 PPG, 2.5 APG, 87% FG, 66.7% 3PT

It wasn’t until their third playoff series to lose a single game as NetsGC struggled in game one against community team Glosquitos.  Although, it was a minor bump in the road for Brooklyn as they would impose their will on both ends of the basketball, dominating the next three games in a reverse sweep. As he has done all year, Greens took advantage of the lesser experienced community team to control the offense, only missing one shot in the three victories. The immense pressure NetsGC was able to generate on the defensive side directly led to their free-flowing offense. Brooklyn was able to hold the Glosquitos to a combined 1-10 from beyond-the-arc in the last two games of the series, earning themselves a spot in Championship Saturday once again.

 

NetsGC lose to Dux Infinitos 3-0

Player of the Series: Killeyy (Point Guard)

Series Average: 10.6 PPG, 3.0 APG, 75% FG, 33% 3PT

With a chance to punch their ticket to the finals, NetsGC fought hard against SWITCH OPEN Champions Dux Infinitos. Killeyy was the star of the show, facilitating on offense while keeping the lethal NetsGC offense contained. Each game seemingly came down to one possession and one bounce that did not favor Brooklyn, ultimately resulting in a sweep. However, NetsGC had little time to hand their heads as a matchup with Pistons GT in the lower bracket finals awaited them.

 

NetsGC lose to Pistons GT 3-2

Player of the Series: Connor (Power Forward)

Series Average: 3.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 66% FG, 40% 3PT

In their biggest matchup of the year, Brooklyn fought until the final whistle, pushing a talented Pistons GT team to five games. This series seemed to test every aspect of NetsGC’s game, a true litmus test for the team Brooklyn will strive to be in the future. NetsGC answered the bell at nearly every turn, taking game one behind a team offensive performance. Steez came up with a clutch eight points as Brooklyn took a 1-0 series lead. Pistons GT would take the next two games of the series, including a game three decided by three points. With their backs against the wall, NetsGC dug deep in their defensively , forcing nine misses from Pistons GT to take a 21-15 victory and force a series deciding Game Five. With a spot in the 3v3 finals on the line, NetsGC came up short from beyond-the-arc going 1-5 in the game as Pistons GT dominated on the way to a 21-7 win.