Emmanuel “FantaSZN” Gosman's debut with Magic Gaming in the NBA 2K League was almost perfect but ultimately ended in disappointment. Playing his first game against Celtics Crossover Gaming just one day after being traded to Orlando, the third-year shooting guard made an immediate impact. FantaSZN kicked off the contest with a three-pointer, hit a crucial triple to close out the first half, and sank a go-ahead shot from deep with just 1:15 left in the fourth quarter.
However, despite FantaSZN’s efforts, Magic Gaming fell short in a 78-73 overtime loss to Celtics Crossover Gaming during THE TURN 5v5 group play on Wednesday.
Defensive Miscommunication Proves Costly In Overtime Loss Against Celtics Crossover Gaming
While Orlando had opportunities in the extra session, their defense in the final seconds of regulation proved costly. With a three-point lead and less than seven seconds remaining, Boston, out of timeouts, inbounded the ball. A defensive miscommunication allowed Celtics Crossover Gaming point guard David “Leche” Jamous to hit a game-tying triple with 4.6 seconds left, forcing overtime.
“It was a breakdown that was unacceptable,” said Magic Gaming general manager and head coach Jonah Edwards. “At the end of the day, it’s on me. There was miscommunication on who was supposed to guard the corner and who was going to roam on the play, and both (center Ashton ‘LowkeyGodlike’ Agredano and power forward Julian ‘Jboolin’ Manzanares) did the job of the roamer. So, we broke down. It’s just unacceptable. And I take full accountability for it.”
Leche led Boston with a game-high 38 points, while center Jhade “Colt” Black added 22 points and 18 rebounds.
The defeat was disheartening for an Orlando team that fell to 2-5 in 2KL 5v5 action. In six of their seven games, Magic Gaming has held the lead with three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. In Wednesday’s matchup, Orlando did not trail until the final minutes.
“We’re a team right now that’s missing a lot of open shots and is not converting down the stretch, and yet, we’re still in it every game,” said Edwards. “There are some silver linings there, but at a certain point, you are what your record is … We have to close games now or the season is going to pass us by.”
FantaSZN Shines In Magic Gaming's Debut Despite Team's Setback
Despite the loss, FantaSZN, acquired from Mavs Gaming on Tuesday in exchange for Darjean “ReturnOfDJ” Henderson, proved to be a valuable addition, scoring 24 points in his Orlando debut.
“I love his assertiveness,” said Edwards. “He has a natural (ability) to find his way into the game … He’s been a big upgrade already for us internally. He really gives us a lot of effort. You can tell he comes from a structured environment and is trying to rub everyone the right way here … He was great tonight.”
LowkeyGodlike finished with team highs in points (26) and rebounds (19) for Orlando.
Magic Gaming returns to THE TURN group play action on Thursday when they face Raptors Uprising GC at 8 PM ET. This matchup will be crucial for Orlando as they look to rebound from their recent overtime loss and improve their standing in the NBA 2K League. Raptors Uprising GC, known for their aggressive playstyle and sharp shooting, will provide a formidable challenge for Magic Gaming.
Fans can catch all the action live on the NBA 2K League’s Twitch and YouTube channels. The broadcast will feature expert commentary, in-depth analysis, and interactive elements to engage viewers throughout the game. In addition to the live streams, highlights and post-game interviews will be available on the NBA 2K League's social media platforms, providing fans with comprehensive coverage of the event. Be sure to tune in at 8 PM ET to support Magic Gaming and witness top-tier NBA 2K League competition.
For more gaming news, visit ClutchPoints Gaming
Follow Us
Subscribe
