G League Sioux Falls Skyforce

Game Preview: Skyforce at Ignite

Published on March 15, 2023 under NBA G League (G League)
Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release


G League Ignite (11-16)

Last Meeting: N/A

Livestream: ESPN+

All-Time Record: 0-0

Streak: N/A

The return of Miami HEAT two-way player Orlando Robinson couldn't have come at a better time, as he helped power the Sioux Falls Skyforce to a 124-108 victory on Sunday afternoon against the Austin Spurs to help continue a playoff push for the first time since 2016.

The victory on Sunday marked a perfect 6-0 record versus NBA G League teams from the state of Texas this season, which is the first in franchise history.

Robinson, who played in his first regular season game with the Force, compiled 24 points on 10-16 FGA, seven rebounds and a career-high seven assists. Justin Champagnie added 23 points and 13 rebounds, while Jon Elmore posted a career-high 26 points on 7-10 3PA (career-high), seven rebounds, seven assists and a game-high plus-27 plus-minus. HEAT assignee Nikola Jović led the team in scoring off the bench for the third-straight game with 17 points on 8-11 FGA and nine rebounds.

With the triumph on Sunday, Sioux Falls kept its spot in the sixth-and-final Western Conference playoff spot with just five games remaining. Only a game separates the Force from Mexico City and the fifth seed.

Turning the attention to the last road trip of the regular season, Sioux Falls faces G League Ignite for the first time in a non-exhibition game. DJ Stewart led the Force in a 104-90 exhibition victory on 10/31/21, as he had a game-high 26 points.

Skyforce guard Jamaree Bouyea is expected to be available after earning the Force's seventh (league leading) NBA Call-Up via a 10-day contract with the Washington Wizards.

After losing five-of-seven games, Ignite has won two games in a row. They defeated the College Park Skyhawks 130-113 on Thursday and the Texas Legends 99-82 on Sunday. John Jenkins led G League Ignite with 23 points on 9-14 FGA against the Legends.

Both teams meet in the series finale on Thursday evening at 9:00 PM CST.

Three Things:

ORLANDO'S BACK HOME

- Miami HEAT two-way player Orlando Robinson returns to his hometown of Las Vegas, NV.

- Robinson on playing in his hometown: "I am very excited to play back home. Can't wait to see my whole family and for them to see me do what I love."

- He snapped his G League franchise record of consecutive double doubles (seven) on Sunday, but led the team with 24 points, seven rebounds and a career-high seven assists.

- Robinson on being allocated to the Skyforce during a playoff push: "Once I found out the situation we are in, winning became my main priority. I want to win every game while I am here. That is my main focus and nothing else. My job is to help the team get to the playoffs."

CHAMPAGNIE MAGIC

- Justin Champagnie has posted three games of 23-plus points and 13-plus rebounds.

- He ranks fifth in G League in the last three games with 28.7 points per game on 62.7 percent shooting. His 14.7 rebounds per game during that stretch is good for second, only behind G League Ignite's Leonard Miller (15.0 rebounds per game).

- The Skyforce is 7-3 when he scores 19-plus points this season and 5-1 when he has nine-plus assists.

ELMORE'S RUN

- After posting a career-high 26 points on 7-10 3PA on Sunday, Jon Elmore has averaged 16.2 points on 48.2 percent shooting (46.2 percent from deep) and 10.2 assists per 38.5 minutes a game.

- His 10.2 assists per game is good for second in the NBA G League during that stretch.

- Elmore also added 16 assists on 3/4, which also is a career-high.

Check out the Sioux Falls Skyforce Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



NBA G League Stories from March 15, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central