Skyforce Survive Blue for 121-119 Win
December 17, 2017 - NBA G League (G League)
Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - After leading by as many as 21 points late in the third quarter, the Sioux Falls Skyforce (7-7) survived a thrilling fourth quarter comeback by the Oklahoma City Blue (8-8) to escape with a 121-119 win in the closing seconds on Wednesday night.
After the Blue had outscored the Skyforce 35-18 in the final period, Tony Mitchell (32 points, eight rebounds and four steals) said enough was enough, collecting a missed three-point attempt and putting it back in to give the Skyforce a two-point lead with just 1.1 seconds remaining.
With possession and a chance to tie or take the lead on their own end of the court, Oklahoma City Head Coach Mark Daigneault drew up a perfect play that sent a Blue player uncontested toward the basket for a wide open alley oop attempt, only to have the inbound pass and potential game-tying assist go through the hoop, resulting in a turnover.
Denver Nuggets two-way player Torrey Craig (29 points and 13 rebounds) notched his fourth double-double in five games, while Miami HEAT two-way player Derrick Walton Jr. (12 points and 10 assists) pitched in a double-double of his own in the win for Sioux Falls. Craig's 13 rebounds matched a career-high set just last game against the South Bay Lakers.
Oklahoma City was led by a well-balanced attack, as five players scored 18-or-more points and three players tallied double-doubles in the win. Myke Henry (23 points and 11 rebounds) led the way for the Blue off the bench, followed by Markel Brown (21 points), Daniel Hamilton (18 points and 13 rebounds), Rashawn Thomas (18 points and 11 rebounds), and PJ Dozier (18 points).
The Skyforce have now made 21 three-point attempts in back-to-back games, but have gone cold in the fourth quarter of each contest. The Blue outscored Sioux Falls 74-36 in the paint on the night, marking just the second victory the Skyforce have earned when trailing in that category.
Sioux Falls now travels to Oshkosh to take on the Wisconsin Herd (9-6) on Friday, December 15 in what will be the last of a five-game road trip before returning home to face the Iowa Wolves (5-8) on Sunday, December 17.
Oklahoma City hits the road as well, traveling to Frisco to take on the Texas Legends (7-8) on Friday, December 15 before returning home for the second night of a back-to-back set, taking on the Agua Caliente Clippers (9-6) on Saturday, December 16.
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NBA G League Stories from December 17, 2017
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