G League Sioux Falls Skyforce

Game Preview: Skyforce vs Hustle

Published on March 24, 2023 under NBA G League (G League)
Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release


Memphis Hustle (23-7)

Last Meeting: W, 101-96 on 2/26/22 in Southaven

Livestream: Baly Sports Sun, NBAGLeague.com

All-Time Record: 6-8 Streak: W1

The Sioux Falls Skyforce officially clinched a 2023 NBA G League playoff spot on Thursday night, as the Rio Grande Valley Vipers defeated the Santa Cruz Warriors. Both teams, who are right behind the Skyforce, split a two-game series. It marks the first time since the 2016 that Sioux Falls will be in the playoffs.

The team comes into the match up with the Memphis Hustle on a four-game winning streak after beating the Stockton Kings (current first seed in the West) 144-119 on 3/17 in Stockton. The victory marked a regular season sweep of the Kings and the Force own two-of-three home losses for Stockton in the regular season. HEAT two-way player Jamal Cain secured 32 points on 12-17 FGA, as 26 of his points were scored in the first half. Justin Champagnie and Jamaree Bouyea combined for 42 points in the victory, as well. The team also had a season high in points scored (144) and points scored in a half (80) in Stockton.

With the attention shifted to Memphis and a back-to-back with the Hustle (currently second seed in the West), the Skyforce need a win or Mexico City loss to secure the fifth seed and a trip to Salt Lake City to face the Stars in the opening round of the G League playoffs. The contest between Sioux Falls and Memphis marks the first in over a year, as DJ Stewart posted 32 points on 11-21 FGA and four steals to help earn a 101-96 victory at the Lancaster Center.

The Hustle comes into the contest winners of eight in their last 10 games and currently on a three-game winning streak. They have a 10-4 road record in the regular season and edged the Ontario Clippers 98-96 on Wednesday evening. Six Memphis players scored in double figures, but Dakota Mathias led the way with 21 points and seven rebounds.

A match up to watch will be Memphis point guard Jacob Gilyard and Jamaree Bouyea, as Gilyard currently leads the NBA G League in assists per game (9.6). Bouyea is one of six players in the league to average 19-plus points, five-plus rebounds and assists. Both teams wrap up the regular season on Saturday, with tip-off slated for 7:00 PM CST from Heritage Court.

TWO THINGS:

KP'S CORNER

- Skyforce Head Coach Kasib Powell on clinching the playoffs and leading the G League in NBA Call-Ups: "It is fulfilling, We wanted to shoot for something and set the bar as high as we can. That's what this organization has always been about. I take great pride in instilling that in our team and it means a lot that we can carry them out on a day-to-day basis. The small things lead to big things and that has always been a mindset for us."

- Powell on the Skyforce being 4-0 with HEAT two-ways and assignment players: "They have a great work ethic and want to get better. The timing of them coming together on this last road trip gave us a boost. They're faces that we recognize. They've been in the Summer League and G League grind. They want to be here and want to win. We love to have them and consider them 'our guys'. They come (from Miami) and mesh perfectly and are here for one common goal. You couldn't ask for anything more from each of them."

FAST PACE FRIDAY

- Sioux Falls leads the NBA G League in points per game (130.0) in the last six games.

- Jamal Cain has posted games of 32 points and 38 points scored in his last three games.

Check out the Sioux Falls Skyforce Statistics

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NBA G League Stories from March 24, 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.

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