Mootyy: "We're the team to beat"

The Steal is a sudden-death tournament for entry into the 3v3 Playoffs of the NBA 2K League. Having previously played in the format – Mootyy will now have to coach his men through the tournament to ensure a finals berth. 

Mootyy explained that after taking all three of 76ers, Cavaliers and NetsGC to game fives and the return of a fully healthy Ceez, Oz Gaming is in a position to be dangerous in The Steal 

“We're not in playoffs yet. Like I say, yet,” Mootyy said.

“If you look at like our track record and resume, we had arguably the two toughest groups. We've either played against, beat or lost in game five to almost every single East playoff team. So we've been playing nothing but the best of the best.

“Obviously I like to win, I expect to win. So it's a little disappointing to be in The Steal for the first time. But the overall team morale is great. And everyone's optimistic and feels like we're the team to beat in The Steal. 

Mootyy explained as a player he experienced the league’s first Steal tournament, making a historic run playing for Kings Guard Gaming beating the then-undefeated juggernauts in Blazer5 Gaming.

In a full circle moment for Mootyy, he’ll now be game-planning against the Warriors’ guard “Mama”, who was on the Blazers team at the time.  

“The games are more intense. They're fun to watch as a viewer, because it's like one game or one series away from being eliminated. And I think it gives teams a crazy confidence boost in momentum if they're able to string together some wins,” he explained.

“I feel like that's what the Steal does too, especially when you have the right group of guys and you string together some wins. I think it gives you crazy momentum while you're in playoffs.” 

The culture Mootyy has built over the past season and a half is the key factor in his belief in a finals run. He explained many teams may check out after not making the finals after The Switch, but the group he’s put together have shown above all else, that they have the mindset to win. 

“They're all very optimistic, Bag(motion) is big on manifestation and I am too,” Mootyy said. 

“It just shows the mental toughness and where the mindset is of this group. I would describe it as they're just resilient, so I’m personally excited for it because it's another opportunity to add a trophy to NBL Oz Gaming.” 

NBL Oz Gaming will take on Warriors Gaming on Saturday, 8am AEST (Friday, 6pm ET) streaming live via the NBA 2K League’s Twitch channel.