After falling four points behind in the third quarter, it was go hard or go home for Mavs Gaming in the NBA 2K League THE TURN round of 16. The team shut out trash talk coming from their opponents and tied things ups in the fourth quarter, forcing the game into overtime.
With their tournament lives on the line, Mavs needed to put on an even better defense than they had all game. Even though the overtime did not start in their favor, the double three point jump shot from star point guard, Kenneth “KennyZeus” Strombreck kept them in it.
The series looked set for a second overtime when Mavs committed a foul, giving up two free throws which tied up the game. However, a quick layup and a last-minute block from their center player, Gerald “Sick One” Knapp sealed the victory of the tense match. It was vindication for Mavs Gaming’s place in the 2K League, according to Sick.
“We’re a top-level team, people just don’t see it yet but they will,” said Sick One moments after the game-winning block to eliminate Heat Check Gaming. The New Jersey center ended the game with double-digit points after a long game that ended up in overtime.
.@Sick_x_973 with the game winning block for @MavsGG 💪
💻: https://t.co/v1LLynxNVO pic.twitter.com/8EhxiwfU5O
— NBA 2K League (@NBA2KLeague) June 9, 2022
THE TURN is a three-week tournament involving all 24 teams in the NBA 2K League Season 5, with all teams involved competing for part of the $250,000 prize pool and a chance to obtain important points for the upcoming playoffs. Having won THE TURN in 2020 with Raptors Uprising GC, Sick is relishing the chance to prove doubters wrong, and to do it with a team full of rookies (including his experienced brother, Jake “Legit” Knapp).
“A lot of people don’t give us a lot of respect, [but] everyone in our locker room knows how good we are,” Sick said.
Molding the rookies
Aside from showing the world what the team has to offer, Sick is also enjoying his current role with the team after five years in the league. When three rookies joined the team, Sick was the only player retained from the 2021 Mavs Gaming Squad. The 2021 season was a tough period for Sick as the team ranked ninth on the Western Conference standings and did not win any tournaments.
His transition to a leadership role came naturally to him, too, after developing bonds with the new players.
“When I was a rookie, I was always kind of the guy everyone looked to on the team and even when I got traded,” Sick said. “Playing with these guys has been natural, we all play basketball and ping pong together, so we’ve really developed a friendship.”
Furthermore, the transition has also enabled Sick to be the calm voice the team needs during games, allowing other players to perform to their absolute best.
“Kenny was playing so well in the first half that it was hard to imagine the second half,” Sick said. “Once we got to the second half, he slowed down. I told him, ‘Look it’s alright, you can miss some shots. Just get your head straight again.’ Once we got to overtime, he said ‘Don’t worry, it’s good. I’m going to get it,’ and he showed up.”
With round 16 over, Mavs now face a more difficult task of defeating the undisputed kings of the west, T-Wolves Gaming. A win here will not only propel Mavs Gaming into the semi-finals, but also show everyone what Sick wants them to see.
Published: Jun 9, 2022 07:42 pm