Jazz Gaming took to the (digital) court in May, and it’s safe to say the team is having its most successful season in its three-year history. The official NBA 2K League affiliate of the Utah Jazz clinched its first-ever playoff berth, compiled a franchise-record winning streak of eight-straight games and set a team record for most wins in a single season. Rookie guard Kimanni “Splashy” Ingram burst on the scene with a game-winning three-pointer in his debut against Magic Gaming and has continued to impress, adding a 50-point outing to his name and two Player of the Week awards to his burgeoning trophy chest.
The team has enjoyed its time in the spotlight and on national television, as select games have been broadcast on ESPN2, a new addition this season that has brought heightened awareness and increased exposure to the esports league while most live sports were sidelined due to the pandemic. It makes sense that the virtual product resonates with more “traditional” sports fans – after all, it’s the same game. The NBA 2K League plays simulated basketball with 5-on-5 gameplay, it has a draft to select players, a combine for aspiring pros, teams can make trades, a head coach draws up plays, and clubs hold daily practices and film sessions.
For the local franchise, home base is the Jazz Gaming Lounge powered by Maverik on Level 5 of Vivint Smart Home Arena. The coronavirus has forced the NBA 2K League to pivot to all remote games, meaning each team competes from its home market rather than a centralized studio location in New York City as in seasons past. With all the adjustments, Jazz Gaming still hasn’t missed a beat and hopes to carry the momentum deep into the playoffs. For more information on Jazz Gaming and the team’s record season, visit www.jazzgaming.gg and follow @UtahJazzGaming on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.