Weekly Recap: Hornets Venom GT Looks to Build on THE SLAM, Defend THE TURN Title
May 24, 2022
By Sam Perley
After missing out on bracket play in THE TIPOFF, Hornets Venom GT broke through with a 3-3 record in 3v3 group play of THE SLAM earlier this month, then shocked the NBA 2K League world by upsetting a heavily-favored 76ers GC squad in the Round of 16. Now transitioning back to 5v5 play for THE TURN Powered by AT&T, Hornets Venom GT will be looking to defend the title it won in this tournament – which has done away with the traditional archetype bans – last July.
A Look Back:
As mentioned, Hornets Venom GT went 3-3 in group play of THE SLAM, losing both series to Hawks Talon GC, 0-3, while going 1-1 overall against both Team Smoke and Heat Check Gaming. Riding a primary combo of KingHaad, Nick and DJ, the trio won a back-and-forth five-game series battle with 76ers GC on the stage in Indianapolis, netting $7,500 in prize money. Wizards District Gaming then ousted Hornets Venom GT in the ensuing Quarterfinals, needing just five games in the best-of-seven series to advance on its way to claiming THE SLAM Championship.
During the bye week, Hornets Venom GT traded KingHaad to NetsGC in exchange for fellow point guard Tate, marking the first-ever in-season trade for Charlotte. In six 5v5 appearances this season, the rookie Tate is averaging 15.8 points on 49/43% shooting and 10.2 assists, with three double-doubles and four double-digit assist performances.
Back from the bye week… and lđź‘€k who's here 👋🏽#NBA2KL5 | @NBA2KLeague pic.twitter.com/KkJhlTKZY8
— Hornets Venom GT (@HornetsVenomGT) May 23, 2022
Coming Up Next (ET): THE TURN Powered by AT&T
Tuesday, May 24 at Gen.G Tigers of Shanghai (10 PM): Gen.G rolled off six straight wins to open up THE TIPOFF before 76ers GC rallied from a game down in the best-of-three Quarterfinals to send the Tigers home earlier than expected. Reigning first overall pick OTTR is currently the NBA 2K League’s fifth-leading scorer at 25.2 points per contest.
Thursday, May 26 at Grizz Gaming (8:30 PM): Memphis started 0-3 in THE TIPOFF, then beat Hornets Venom GT, 78-69, and Magic Gaming, 71-65 to sneak its way to Indianapolis. Grizz Gaming lost by only five to Gen.G in the Round of 16 and thanks to the improving play of new point guard BP, seems to be rounding into form after a slow start in 5v5 competition.
Friday, May 27 vs. Celtics Crossover Gaming (9 PM): After registering an 80-57 win over Hawks Talon GC in their opener to THE TIPOFF, Celtics Crossover Gaming dropped its next four – three by single digits – to miss out on bracket play. Offense has been the most glaring issue lately for Boston, with the team failing to score more than 55 points in each of its last three outings.