Bucks Gaming advance to knockout round of NBA 2K League Tip-Off Tournament

Overall impressions, looking ahead to Heat Check Gaming

With a win, and an advantage in five of the eight quarters they played in, Buck Gaming racked up nine points from Friday’s play. That proved to be enough to advance as Blazer5 Gaming finished on 8.5 points, and Jazz Gaming could only manage 6.5 points.

The final margin couldn’t have been any closer, as the fourth quarter of Blazer5 and Jazz finished 20-20, leaving Portland just a half point short of the Bucks.

Up next for Milwaukee will be a knockout clash with Heat Check Gaming, as a total of eight teams will compete in the single game elimination rounds on Saturday. In that matchup, the Bucks will have to be particularly wary of Hot Shot, who averaged 19 points and 12.5 rebounds through Miami’s first two games.

Otherwise, the Bucks will look to replicate their high level of play defensively and from behind the arc (20-of-33 on Friday).

Having said that, they could certainly do with a more varied approach out of their halfcourt offense, as when three-point looks didn’t present themselves, Bucks GG often ended up in trouble.

There was no real penetration or intent when it came to getting to the rim on Friday, and adding an option on that front could certainly make Milwaukee a more well-rounded offensive threat. The three-point shot can, and should, remain plan A on offense, but some variety would offer a welcome contingency too.

Either way, Bucks GG will have plenty to be excited about as they could just be three more wins away from a dream start to the new season.

Bucks GG are scheduled to face off with Heat Check Gaming in a knockout match at 3pm CT on Saturday, with the game being streamed live via the NBA 2K League’s Twitch channel.