Both teams entered Saturday’s NBA 2K League matchup on a short win streak, but Pacers Gaming prevailed thanks to frequent turnovers by Bucks Gaming.
Bucks Gaming matched up with Pacers Gaming on Saturday to decide which team would extend their two-game win streak, and the Bucks were routed start to finish, dropping to 3-5 on the season.
The Pacers jumped out to an early lead, 14-7, thanks to seemingly endless transition opportunities, and three early Bucks turnovers.
oLarry was his consistent self offensively, getting six points in a row to keep the Bucks alive, but the Pacers got too many second chance opportunities on the other end. The score was 22-13 at end of the first quarter.
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The Bucks shifted to intentionally fouling during every transition opportunity, which cut down on points in that phase, Pacers point guard Wolf showed excellent playmaking ability, as he started to finds teammates all over the court. He had 13 assists at the half, with three other Pacers already in double-digit scoring. Meanwhile, the Bucks had double-digit turnovers with 10 in the first half alone. At halftime, Bucks Gaming trailed 42-26.
A tough and-one from oLarry, and a posterizing dunk from Meek looked like the start of a potential run, but the Bucks left Wolf wide open from three and the deficit stayed above single digits. It stayed close, finishing 53-42 through three quarters thanks to a powerful and-one dunk from Meek.
The fourth quarter was mostly each team trading transition buckets, as the lead stayed over 10 points and each team let off the gas defensively. Bucks Gaming were powerless to turn things around, falling 76-63.
This loss represents a big step backwards for the Bucks, who had been on a two-game win streak, and needed a win to break into the top half of the standings. Instead, they’re now at 3-5 and lacking momentum.
Bucks Gaming have tried shuffling players around positionally, but arguably didn’t fully commit to it, and they’ve yet to find out a way to get consistent production out of the SG slot — STL had only one point, on very few touches.
Here is your starting 5⃣ and archetype selections for @BucksGG x @Pacers_Gaming
— NBA 2K League (@NBA2KLeague) June 30, 2018
💻: https://t.co/jyRINAVZW8 pic.twitter.com/hc2dcST3w3
Turnovers have also been a consistent problem, and Milwaukee finished with 14 on Saturday. There were several instances where Drake simply dribbled straight into a defender, and the ball came loose. He was likely trying to get a blow-by animation, but by this point should know that it takes some finesse and the proper angling to avoid getting the turnover animation.
Peroxide payed well, as did oLarry, and Meek had another excellent game with 22 points, nine boards, three assists, and three blocks, but the team just couldn’t put it together defensively.
😮@PSN_BigBaby2k drives baseline and takes off for the MONSTER SLAM
— NBA 2K League (@NBA2KLeague) June 30, 2018
@Pacers_Gaming lead @BucksGG 53-42 as we get ready to start the 4th quarter
💻: https://t.co/jyRINAVZW8 pic.twitter.com/ohXkF3tX3v
Next: Bucks Gaming dominate Kings Guard Gaming for second straight win
Bucks Gaming will next be in action on Friday, July 6 as they’ll face off with Grizz Gaming (3-5) in a 7pm CT start.