Weekly Recap: Seed Week Gives Hornets Venom GT Chance to Move Up Standings
July 5, 2022
By Sam Perley
The NBA 2K League’s first-ever seed week has begun and like all the other squads out there, Hornets Venom GT will be looking to improve its footing in the Eastern Conference standings starting tonight with the first of five 5v5 matchups over the next two weeks. At the moment, Charlotte is 3-7 in 5v5 play this year, with victories in two of its past three such outings.
A Look Back: SWITCH OPEN Bracket
Thursday, June 30 vs. Pistons GT: Hornets Venom GT took Game 1, 23-17, then a pivotal turnover on the potential game-winning possession in Game 2 left the door open for a 22-20 Pistons GT win. Charlotte’s offense struggled the rest of the series, as Detroit notched 21-13 and 23-16 victories to close out the 3-1 triumph and head into the Quarterfinals.
.@GlennWilkerson brings home the Game 1 win!! 🙌🏽#ALLCHAOS | #2KLSWITCHOPEN pic.twitter.com/GKL8UAyw3A
— Hornets Venom GT (@HornetsVenomGT) July 1, 2022
Center DJ had 12 points in the opening contest, but no other Charlotte player cracked double figures in any other game. On the opposing side, point guard Radiant bounced back from a rough Game 1 to average 13.6 points on 60.9% shooting and 3.0 assists across the final three contests.
Coming Up Next (ET): Seed Week
Wednesday, July 6 at Heat Check Gaming (7 PM): This will be the first 5v5 meeting of the season between these two sides, although they did go 1-1 against each other in group play of the SLAM OPEN back in April. This Miami team went on a surprising run to THE TIPOFF Semifinals after just barely making the bracket, but couldn’t replicate that success in THE TURN, thanks to a Round of 16 loss to Mavs Gaming.
Thursday, July 7 vs. Wizards DG (8:15 PM): Likewise, Hornets Venom GT also has yet to face the two-time reigning 2KL Champs in 5v5 action this season, but they did meet in the SLAM OPEN Quarterfinals and twice in group play of the SWITCH OPEN. Unsurprisingly, Wizards DG sits near the top of the Eastern Conference standings and boasts the 2KL’s premier frontcourt trio in Dayfri, Newdini and Just Awkward.
Tuesday, July 12 at Hawks Talon GC (8 PM): These teams squared off twice in SLAM OPEN group play, with Hawks Talon GC sweeping both three-game series. There are a couple interesting wrinkles in this 5v5 matchup though; Swann and Nick will be facing their former teams for the first time since being traded for each other last month with this competition also taking place in person down at Atlanta’s facilities.
Thursday, July 14 at Jazz Gaming (8:15 PM): Hornets Venom GT and the reigning Western Conference Champions have not met since THE TURN Quarterfinals in Season 3 and Utah is a perfect 4-0 all-time against Charlotte in 5v5 contests. Jazz Gaming recently acquired Duck from Magic Gaming and although reached bracket play of both THE TIPOFF and THE TURN, failed to advance past the Round of 16.
Friday, July 15 vs. Pacers Gaming (9 PM): Charlotte’s final 5v5 seed week matchup features another opponent it hasn’t seen since way back in Season 3. After pulling off one of the more surprising early-season trades with its acquisition of Reizey from Philadelphia in exchange for reigning MVP 630, Pacers Gaming is still looking to breakthrough in 5v5 play, although did just take home the SWITCH OPEN crown in dominant fashion.
Photo courtesy of NBA 2K League