Pistons GT vs Wizards District Gaming Recon Report

by Aaron Fox

After advancing past Warriors Gaming Squad late last night, Pistons GT is scheduled to face off with reigning champions Wizards District Gaming in round three of THE TURN. Washington swept their opening tournament matchup, Gen.G Tigers, continuing their dominant season four run.

Looking back at the Warriors series, Detroit dropped a close game one as opposing players CB13 (27pts-12asts) and Hezi (23pts-13rebs) combined to score 50 of WGS’ 74 points. A slow start on the defensive side of the floor came back to bite in the end, as Pistons GT late-game comeback efforts fell just short. Cooks recorded 20 points, 3 assists, and 1 steal in his 2K League tournament debut.

Another close contest, the final minute decided all in game two. A Radiant midrange gave Pistons GT the advantage with under two ticks left on the clock. Antoine’s potential game-tying jumper couldn’t find the bottom of the net, and Pistons GT was on the board. Ramo posted a season-high 26 points (13-for-15 FG), along with 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal, helping Detroit tie the series at a game apiece.

A massive third quarter swung momentum our way entering the final frame, and Pistons GT remained in the driver’s seat the rest of the way, completing the reverse sweep. Radiant (24pts-10asts), Cooks (18pts-2asts), and Ramo (18pts-10rebs) each finished with 18+ points, providing consistent offense for Detroit.

• Game 1: Warriors Gaming Squad def. Pistons GT, 74-70
• Game 2: Pistons GT def. Warriors Gaming Squad, 74-72
• Game 3: Pistons GT def. Warriors Gaming Squad, 73-63

A series win against Golden State meant a rematch with Wizards District Gaming. We played WDG during week seven of the regular season, losing both contests. Looking for better results this time around, Pistons GT’s new lineup has now had more time to mesh with the recent addition of Cooks.

 

Key Matchup

Milo vs. Newdini 

Milo and Newdini rounds three, four, and potentially five coming up. Last time out versus Pistons GT, Newdini nearly averaged a double-double (16.0ppg-9.5rpg), somehow taking over a series at the power forward position. The winningest player in NBA 2K League history, Newdini has always been the ultimate X-Factor and swiss-army-knife for his team. Look for the four-year veteran to have his fingerprints all over any and all Wizards District Gaming success, particularly on the defensive end.

Milo was Pistons GT’s very own X-Factor last night, consistently making plays when it mattered most. His game two performance included 3 (!) blocks, and every single one felt more important than the one before. His game three featured perfect shooting from deep (4-for-4), finishing with 13 points, 7 rebounds (3 offensive), and 1 assist. Although not the flashy position, the power forward matchup could decide plenty this evening.

 

Tale of the Tape 

Pistons GT (9-7)

• PG Radiant (26.1ppg-8.8apg-1.1spg-2.4topg-53%-48%)
• SG Cooks (19.0ppg-1.5apg-1.5spg-1.0topg-56%-56%)
• SF Pexile (6.6ppg-0.6apg-1.0spg-66%-56%)
• PF Milo (7.1ppg-5.1rpg-0.4spg-0.6bpg-53%-46%)
• C Ramo (15.9ppg-11.6rpg-2.8apg-1.2spg-1.2bpg-75%)

THE TURN Results: W vs. Warriors Gaming Squad 73-63, W vs. Warriors Gaming Squad 74-72, L vs. Warriors Gaming Squad 74-70

Wizards District Gaming (14-4)

• PG JBM (24.6ppg-10.6apg-2.3topg-1.4spg-52%-47%)
• SG BRich (11.6ppg-1.2apg-0.6spg-54%-52%)
• SF Awkward (7.1ppg-1.8spg-67%-63%)
• PF Newdini (10.2ppg-4.3rpg-0.8spg-0.6bpg-57%-55%)
• C Dayfri (17.7ppg-10.3rpg-4.7apg-1.6spg-1.8bpg-85%)

THE TURN Results: W vs. Gen.G Tigers 70-52, W vs. Gen.G Tigers 76-63

As always, catch all of the action on the NBA 2K League’s Twitch and YouTube channels. Pistons GT is slated to tip off game one with Wizards District Gaming at 6 PM. Follow @PistonsGT and @NBA2KLeague on Twitter for more coverage.