Skyforce Rout D-Fenders, 91-63 to Earn NBA D-League Championship Title
April 28, 2016 - NBA G League (G League)
Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release
Sioux Falls, SD - The Sioux Falls Skyforce (2-1) dominated the Los Angeles D-Fenders (1-2) in game 3 of the 2016 NBA Development League Finals to earn their first championship since joining the D-League before the 2006-07 season. The win marked the first time the Skyforce have won a championship on their home court in franchise history, having previously won two CBA Championships on the road.
The 91-63 win served as the perfect ending to an all-around historic season. After winning the D-League's regular season MVP award, Jarnell Stokes led his team by scoring 25 points and collecting 12 rebounds in his final playoff game, adding D-League Finals MVP to his resume in the process.
The Skyforce never trailed in the game, leading by as many as 34 points late in the second half. Defense proved to be the deciding factor, as the Skyforce never allowed Los Angeles to score more than 18 points in each of the four quarters.
Sioux Falls outscored the D-Fenders in points in the paint, second chance points, and fast break points in the contest, and Los Angeles shot just 29.5 percent from the field, making just one of their 20 attempts from behind the three-point line.
DeAndre Liggins recorded Sioux Falls' second double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds to highlight a well-balanced Skyforce offense that saw five different players score in double figures.
Josh Magette led the way offensively for the D-Fenders, scoring 21 points and tallying five rebounds in the loss. Justin Harper (10 points, seven rebounds) and the normally high-scoring Vander Blue (15 points, six rebounds) were the only other Los Angeles players to score in double figures in the contest.
Since becoming the sole affiliate of the Miami HEAT in 2013, the Skyforce have a regular season record of 100-50, good for the best record in the NBA D-League in that span. Sioux Falls has made playoff appearances in each of those three seasons, ultimately earning this year's championship trophy.
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NBA G League Stories from April 28, 2016
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- Skyforce Rout D-Fenders, 91-63 to Earn NBA D-League Championship Title - Sioux Falls Skyforce
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