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Blazer5 Gaming goes unbeaten in Day 3 of NBA 2k League tournament: Recap and highlights

By Derek Helling

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY - MAY 3: during the NBA 2K League Tip Off Tournament on May 3, 2018 at Brooklyn Studios in Long Island City, New York. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY - MAY 3: during the NBA 2K League Tip Off Tournament on May 3, 2018 at Brooklyn Studios in Long Island City, New York. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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For the first time in NBA 2k League history, a team had a perfect day in group play as “The Tipoff” tournament continued on Thursday.

Entering play on Thursday, May 3, four NBA 2k League teams had already punched their tickets for Saturday’s elimination round by going 2-1 in their respective groups. On Thursday night, Blazer5 Gaming made that look amateurish.

Blazer5 Gaming went a perfect 3-0 to claim the top spot out of Group C, not just winning all of its games but doing so in convincing fashion. The eight-game slate on Thursday began with two other teams on the court, however. Magic Gaming and Raptors Uprising GC were first on the stage.

In a tight but low-scoring first quarter, Magic Gaming’s SUPREME PULLER asserted himself to kick off the night’s highlights.

Kenny responded for Raptors Uprising early in the second quarter with this coast-to-coast slam.

After the teams were tied at the half, Raptors Uprising outscored Magic Gaming 23-10 in the final quarter of play to secure the 68-51 win. It was then time for Blazer5 Gaming to play its first of three, facing 76ers GC.

76ers GC’s ZDS throws it down to cut into Blazer5 Gaming’s early double-digit lead, but Blazer5’s OneWildWalnut returns the sentiment on his birthday to keep the advantage right where it was.

https://twitter.com/NBA2KLeague/status/992138718285914114

76ers GC tightened the game up during the second quarter, but Blazer5 Gaming was able to pull away again in the third thanks to plays like this by GRANT MONSTER.

That theme would carry throughout the fourth quarter as Blazer5 Gaming ultimately claimed an 81-68 victory to join Raptors Uprising at 1-0 in Group C action. 76ers GC looked to replace Raptors Uprising as the second 1-0 team in the next game.

Raptors Uprising’s Kobeyusuf brought it down all the way from the north early in the second quarter.

This Newdini33 trey at the halftime buzzer was just the beginning of 76ers GC heating up.

76ers GC outscored Raptors Uprising 23-10 in the third quarter and held them at bay in the fourth to take the contest 70-57. Blazer5 Gaming then stepped back on the stage trying to build off their momentum against a Magic Gaming team aiming to avoid an 0-2 start.

There was more highlight-reel action from Blazer5’s Dat Boy Shotz early on in the game.

Magic Gaming was able to bring the game to a tie at the half, but this devastating crossover by Blazer5’s Mama Im Dat Man helped Blazer5 build another lead.

The final score in this one ended up being 73-59, giving Blazer5 a two-game total of 154 points on the night. They had an immediate shot to add to that total against Raptors Uprising.

Raptors Uprising would prove formidable, partially because of Kobeyusuf refusing to be ignored again.

Facing a three-point deficit in the fourth quarter, Blazer5 rallied with plays like this gem by Dat Boy Shotz.

After edging out Raptors Uprising 63-59, Blazer5 claimed the Group C winner spot in Saturday’s tournament and a $5,000 bonus. The final Group C game of the night between 76ers GC and Magic Gaming would determine which of the other three teams would also advance to the single-elimination round.

Magic Gaming needed not only a win, but a win by at least 32 points in order to advance. KingCamRoyalty aided that cause early.

Another Newdidin33 clutch three helped 76ers GC overcome a late deficit.

76ers GC claimed the 65-64 win to nab the Group C runner-up spot. Blazer5 Gaming will try to stay perfect against the runner-up of Group D on Saturday while 76ers GC is slated to face the Group D winner. Four teams from Group D descended on the stage to begin their games, beginning with a contest between Heat Check Gaming and Mavs Gaming.

The top overall selection in the draft for Mavs Gaming, Dimez, proved his worth early.

l 24k Dropoff l worked his way to the basket to keep Heat Check on top of the scoreboard.

It would ultimately be Dimez and Mavs Gaming who would get a jump on Friday’s action with an 80-61 win. The final game of Thursday night introduced the Twitch crowd to Celtics Crossover Gaming and Grizz Gaming.

This beautiful spin and kiss off the glass came courtesy of Celtics Crossover’s Melo East.

Grizz Gaming’s AuthenticAfrican blew through all by-standers on his way to the hoop early in the second quarter.

Celtics Crossover kept the Grizz at bay 74-62 and joined Mavs Gaming at 1-0 heading into Friday. Group D play will conclude with eight more contests, which begin at 3 p.m. ET and are as follows:

  • Celtics Crossover Gaming at Pacers Gaming
  • Grizz Gaming at Heat Check Gaming
  • Pacers Gaming at Mavs Gaming
  • Heat Check Gaming at Pacers Gaming
  • Celtics Crossover Gaming at Mavs Gaming
  • Pacers Gaming at Grizz Gaming
  • Heat Check Gaming at Celtics Crossover Gaming
  • Mavs Gaming at Grizz Gaming

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Blazer5 Gaming is off to a great start in “The Tipoff” and if they can blow through three more games on Saturday, they will cement themselves as the clear favorite to win the league’s first championship.