Game Preview: Skyforce vs Mad Ants
November 10, 2023 - NBA G League (G League)
Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release
Indiana Mad Ants (0-0)
Last Meeting: W, 124-114 on 11/12/22 in Fort Wayne, IN
Livestream: Bally Sports App, NBAGLeague.com
All-Time Record: 30-28
Streak: W2
The Sioux Falls Skyforce returns to action after making a run to the Western Conference Finals and the first playoff berth since winning the NBA G League title in 2016.
"I think we laid the foundation and set the new standard for us," Skyforce guard Jon Elmore expressed. "As a team we want to build on it and as individuals we want to up our play to help us get over the hump."
Much like his players, Skyforce head coach Kasib Powell would also like to do whatever it takes to take things to the next level.
"I'd be lying to say I didn't want to get to the Western Conference Finals and actually get over the hump to get to the NBA G League Finals this season," he said. "It's early but we put that on our radar already and that's something we're working towards."
Sioux Falls features four returners - Jamaree Bouyea, Justin Champagnie, Elmore and Brandon McCoy. Newcomers Alondes Williams, who spent part of the 2022-23 season as a two-way player with the Brooklyn Nets and three-year NBA veteran Cheick Diallo look to help the returners build a solid foundation during the 2023-24 season.
The Skyforce opens up the season against the Indiana Mad Ants for the first time since 2018-19 (Sioux Falls has went to face the Iowa Wolves to start the prior three seasons). Sioux Falls went 2-1 against Indiana last season and swept them on the road in a back-to-back.
The Mad Ants roster former NBA lottery pick Elfrid Payton and 2018 NBA Champion Jordan Bell, followed by two-way Isaiah Wong, who helped lead the University of Miami to the 2023 Elite Eight. Former Skyforce forward Pedro Bradshaw returns for his third stint with the Mad Ants, as well.
A season ago, Indiana was the third highest scoring team in the league, averaging 121 points per game. However, the team has lost NBA veteran Justin Anderson, Trevelin Queen and Gabe York, who all averaged over 20 points per game and combined to score 66.9 points per game.
The Skyforce will play the second of a three-game homestand on Tuesday against the Cleveland Charge (6:30 PM CST).
Quick Hits
THE BIG 5-0
- With a victory tonight over Indiana, Skyforce head coach Kasib Powell earns his 50th victory as head coach.
- He would become just the fourth Skyforce coach in the last 20 seasons (Dave Joerger, Nate Tibbetts and Nevada Smith) to accomplish 50-plus wins during their time in Sioux Falls.
HOME SWEET PENTAGON
- The Skyforce finished with the second best home record a season ago, going 18-8 between the Showcase Cup, regular season and playoffs.
- The team averaged a +/- of +8, which was also good for second in the NBA G League throughout the Showcase Cup and regular season.
- "We take great pride in playing at the Pentagon," Skyforce head coach Kasib Powell said. "We always want to protect home court and give our fans something to be excited about. I feel like we did that last year, but the only way to go now is to be atop of the league when it comes to playing in front of their home fans."
BOUYEA IS BACK
- After earning multiple NBA G League honors, Jamaree Bouyea returns to the Skyforce after earning three NBA Call-Ups in the last 12 months.
- Sioux Falls was 12-2 in the last 14 games he suited up for the team, and his play was a big part in pushing the team to a deep playoff run.
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