Hawks Talon GC Sweeps First Round of 2KL Tournament in Unofficial Debut

Looking at Hawks Talon GC’s unofficial debut.

After only retaining one player from last season’s roster, the Hawks Talon Gaming Club spent the off-season rebuilding the team. With the 2020 NBA 2K League season postponed amid the coronavirus, the league’s Three-For-All Showdown will give us our first look at this new look Hawks Talon GC team.

Last week, the Hawks announced their starters for the tournament. The NBA 2KL 2019 MVP runner up, BP (Michael Diaz), and 2020 draft picks Arkele (Derrion Elmore) and followTHEGOD (Kwan Larry Niblack Jr.) hold the three starting positions in the live-streamed contest. The three will compete under the handles  “xXBptzFinestXx”, “Lee2k__”, and “IKerryL”.

“We’re excited for our players to compete in this showdown,” said Hawks Talon GC Head Coach Wesley Acuff. “While we stay at home and practice social distancing, it’s important that we stay connected, and we are thrilled to have an opportunity to share this virtual stage.”

Coach Acuff has emphasized the chemistry that his team has already built and how it will translate to their future success. This tournament gives the team a chance to express their bond on the virtual court in their unofficial debut competing together.

“It gives these three a chance to play against some live competition which is exciting for us considering these new circumstances.” He said.

Hawks Talon fans had their first look at the magic that’s created when BPs superior ball-handling skills mesh with Arkele and followTHEGOD’s individual playing styles.

“My teammates and I are excited to have an opportunity to compete together,” said BP. “We want to give the city of Atlanta and our fans a team that they can support during this time.”

Teams must win a best-of-three series. To win a match, they must be the first to reach 21 points and have at least a two point lead. The Hawks Talon Gaming Club competed in the PS4 bracket and faced off against Team Savage in the first round of the tournament on Tuesday night.

The first game of the series was a back and forth affair as the Hawks underestimated the level of talent that Team Savage, led by NFL running back Derrius Guice, would bring to the park. The Hawks were able to secure the win after making several late stops and executing a few pick and roll plays between BP and Arkele. followTHEGOD was able to drain a three to cap the final score at 22-19.

“They did scare us a little bit, but we know they would compete with us. It is great to see our team step it up when it mattered most.” Said Acuff.

After BP reset his jump shot before the second game of the series, the Hawks maintained control throughout the contest. BP put on a show to start the game with a 3-point barrage, hitting three in a row. BP finished the game with 17 points, one assist and a C- minus grade. Arkele rounded off a successful defensive match with four points, four rebounds, three steals, and an A-  teammate grade.

The Hawks advanced on to the second round to face off against Knicks Gaming, the 2KL affiliate of the New York Knicks. After falling behind 0-4, BP was more aggressive getting to the rim as he predicted that the Knicks would be looking for him to take threes.

The entire game went down to the wire as both professional teams battled to the end. Arkele sank a clutch three to put the team up 21-20 but having to win by two, the game surged on. After a quick bucket from the Knicks, the match didn’t end until BP hit the last three to secure the win 25-22. BP finished with 15 points, four assists, and a C+ grade.

followTHEGOD ended the game with two points, three rebounds, and a C- grade. Arkele secured an A+ grade and had a well-rounded game with eight points, four rebounds, two steals, and a block.

“Instead of chasing the three and hunting for outside shots, Bp started to take what they gave him and that put us in a good position to win against Knicks Gaming,” said Acuff

The second game of the Hawks vs Knicks series had a completely different vibe as the Hawks applied the pressure in the beginning and never let up. The Hawks swept the Knicks 21-11, capping off their debut with a statement. They know when to have fun, and when to get serious and make the necessary adjustments to win.

The Hawks advance to the next round of the tournament that will tip

off on April 2. The team will first compete against the winner of the Wizards DG and Lean Squad matchup. The full bracket can be found here.