By Kristian Cuaresma

Last night did not go according to plan, but it will not matter if NetsGC takes care of business tonight against Green Beanz.

After finishing week one with a 3-0 record, Brooklyn was unable to clinch a spot in Indianapolis for bracket play in their rematch with Grizz Gaming last night. The loss was their first sweep of the season since their defeat to Wizards District Gaming during group play of THE SLAM. With two games remaining to decide which teams advance, NetsGC will have two opportunities to claim a spot, but tonight’s matchup may end up taking priority.

Green Beanz started the tournament with a win but has struggled since, including dropping their last three games. With Grizz Gaming’s victory last night, the two teams are currently tied for last in the group. Like Memphis, Green Beanz is also just one loss away from being eliminated from THE SWITCH.

Green Beanz Expected Lineup 

Guard: Freepm32

Forward: N0_l4cKiN97

Forward: DPOTY-

 

Players to Watch

Freepm32 – 8.3 points, 3.6 assists, 0.6  turnovers, 70% field goal, 58% three-point

The last time NetsGC played against Green Beanz, Freepm32 was coming off a spectacular NBA 2K League 3v3 debut. He averaged 11 points and 3.5 assists while displaying an impressive on-court demeanor against Grizz Gaming. Unfortunately for Freepm32, that did not translate to success against NetsGC as he was forced to give the ball up to his teammates. How the point guard navigates the NetsGC defense in his second stint will go a long way in showing how much progress both he and Green Beanz has made when it comes to film.

DPOTY- – 4.9 points, 1.1 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 68% field goal, 56% three-point

During the latter end of their current three-game slide, DPOTY- has shouldered more of an offensive load. In Green Beanz’s last five individual games, the forward is averaging 7.8 points, which is a dramatic uptick from the 3.5 points he was scoring before then. With his point guard Freepm32 not being the aggressive type of scorer that can be found on other teams, DPOTY- will need to continue to look for his shot. With his looks normally coming in catch and shoot situations or late clock scenarios, DPOTY- must maintain a high level of efficiency on limited opportunities.

Storylines

In a blink of an eye, everything can change in the NBA 2K League. NetsGC learned that the hard way after their four-game winning streak in THE TIPOFF was followed by a downward spiral. For Green Beanz, their descent in the standings occurred quickly, and it all began when they lost to NetsGC. Tonight’s rematch signals a chance for the community team to redeem their poor week one performance, beginning with the team that spoiled their coming out party.

For NetsGC, tonight’s game represents a fork in the road. A loss to Green Beanz would basically negate the progress made last week and set the stage for a dramatic final game against Hawks Talon GC tomorrow evening. A victory would clinch a spot in Indianapolis and give the team its first chance to win tournament money since THE TIPOFF. It is likely that tonight’s outcome will dictate what kind of 3v3 race NetsGC will be in at the end of the season.