G League Sioux Falls Skyforce

Game Preview: Skyforce vs Gold

Published on November 16, 2023 under NBA G League (G League)
Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release


Last Meeting: 108-105 W on 12/14/22 in Grand Rapids, MI

Live stream: BALLY SPORTS APP, ESPN+

All-Time Record: 4-1

Streak: W4

The Sioux Falls Skyforce comes into the contest with the Grand Rapids Gold fresh off an impressive 129-116 victory over the then undefeated Cleveland Charge, where Miami HEAT two-way player Jamal Cain powered the team with 38 points (tied career-high), 10 rebounds and three assists.

The victory marked number 50 for Kasib Powell as head coach of the Skyforce, joining the likes of Nate Tibbetts, Dave Joerger and Mo McHone (fellow Skyforce HOF member with Powell) with 50+ wins with Sioux Falls in the last 20 years.

"It's a great honor to be a part of such a great group of legendary coaches for the Skyforce," Powell said. "But this goes back to all the players over the last three seasons that have gotten us to this point."

Justin Champagnie added 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Brandon McCoy added 20 points (tied career-high) and eight rebounds. Caleb Daniels posted his second-straight game of 15+ points scored with 15 points on 5-9 FGA to lead the Force off the bench.

It was a completely different approach from Sioux Falls' first game, on Saturday, against Indiana. On Tuesday, the Force won the rebounding and tied the turnover battle, plus outscored the Charge by 13 points in fast break all while losing by as many as 14 points in the first half. The victory also snapped a four-game losing streak to Cleveland, as well.

Grand Rapids comes into the contest with the Force fresh off losses to Motor City (99-112 on 11/12) and Indiana (93-116 on 11/14). Nuggets assignee Hunter Tyson led the team with 24 and 21 points respectfully in each game. Nuggets two-way player and 2023 NBA G League Defensive Player of the Year and All-NBA G League 1st Teamer Jay Huff anchors the team at the center position. In two games, Huff is averaging 13 points and seven rebounds.

The Force looks to make it five-straight victories against the Gold, where Sioux Falls grinded out a 108-105 victory on 12/14/22, as DJ Stewart had 29 points on 11-19 FGA and five assists to lead the team.

After the game with Grand Rapids, Sioux Falls embarks on a five-day, three-game road trip starting with two games against the Wisconsin Herd. Tip-off for the first contest will be 5:30PM CST in Oshkosh, WI.

DISTANCE DOESN'T MATTER

- The matchup tonight between the Skyforce and Gold marks the two teams with the farthest distance from their NBA teams.

- Grand Rapids to Denver is 1,166 miles apart, while Sioux Falls to Miami is 1,823 miles apart.

- Both the Nuggets and HEAT met in the 2023 NBA Finals, as well.

CROSS COUNTRY CAIN

- Jamal Cain, in his first game on transfer with the Skyforce this season, tied a career-high with 38 points and 10 rebounds. He also had a game-high +14 +/-.

- In 21 games with Sioux Falls, Cain and the Force are 21-8, which dates back to last season.

- The outpour marked his 30th career 30 point game in a Skyforce jersey.

- Jamal Cain, in his first game on transfer with the Skyforce this season, tied a career-high with 38 points and 10 rebounds. He also had a game-high +14 +/-.

- In 21 games with Sioux Falls, Cain and the Force are 21-8, which dates back to last season.

- The outpour marked his 30th career 30 point game in a Skyforce jersey.

Check out the Sioux Falls Skyforce Statistics

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



NBA G League Stories from November 16, 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