Five Things: NetsGC Finish Strong in Win Over Cavs Legion

By Kristian Cuaresma

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JULY 1: Steez of Nets Gaming Club looks on against Celtics Crossover Gaming during the 2022 NBA 2K League – The Switch Open Tournament on July 1, 2022 at Pan Am Plaza in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)

Here are five things to highlight in NetsGC’s 79-66 win over Cavs Legion GC.

1 – The Greatest Tag Team in the World

The duo of Steez and Streetz does not get the recognition that other elite pairings receive. League fans will blame it on NetsGC’s record or the team’s lengthy six-game losing streak that spanned over a month, but the duo has been responsible for one of the best defenses in the league. Against Cavs Legion GC, the pair combined for 11 steals and broke their previous record of eight takeaways back in THE TIPOFF. Streetz’s six steals were a career-high while Steez’s five takeaways tied a season-high. Offensively, they were equally impressive, scoring a combined 20 points on 6-of-7 from deep.

2 – Fire & Ice 

A losing streak tainted the experience, but NetsGC fans caught two glimpses of Jyden and King Haad’s potential. After averaging a combined 21 points on 32 percent shooting during NetsGC’s three-game slide, the young backcourt responded with 41 points on 54 percent against Cavs Legion GC. The offensive outburst occurred less than 24 hours after their 30-point defeat to T-Wolves Gaming. In that contest, Jyden and King Haad had zero points at halftime. The 5v5 regular season has ended, but the narrative has not changed all year. In order for NetsGC to succeed, they need their guards to play at a competitive level.

3 – Shotz is Ready for THE TICKET

Another casualty of NetsGC’s up-and-down season has been Shotz. The league veteran was an Eastern Conference All-Star last year and began Season Five as an early MVP candidate. Unfortunately, NetsGC’s performance this season has not be consistent, causing Shotz’s name to be lost in the shuffle. However, the star center has gotten stronger in the final stretch of the 5v5 season, proving that he understands how valuable it is to peak at the right time. In his last seven games, Shotz has finished with a double-double and is averaging 18.7 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks.

4 – A Familiar Face

While the image of Doc in a Cavs Legion GC jersey is unsettling, it was fun to see a former player suit up in his first game against NetsGC. The shooting guard finished with 20 points on 57 percent shooting. Entering last night’s matchup, Doc had turned the ball over just once in his five games as a member of Cavs Legion GC. Fortunately for Brooklyn, he ended up with two turnovers and also had his worst shooting performance since being traded to Cleveland. In Doc’s defense, he was as cerebral as ever and led his team in scoring.

5 – Confidence is Everything 

Winning THE TICKET and the final playoff spot requires reeling off three straight wins. For a team low on confidence, it was imperative that NetsGC earn a victory in their final game of 5v5 Seed Weeks. Brooklyn’s season has been the definition of a rollercoaster ride. The team’s season started with a four-game win streak and followed by a six-game slide. NetsGC followed it up with a mini two-game win streak and a three-game losing streak. If Brooklyn can gather momentum at the right time, the team might pull off a surprise run through THE TICKET and shock the league.