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Game Preview: Skyforce vs Squadron

February 2, 2023 - NBA G League (G League) - Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release


Birmingham Squadron (4-13)

Last Meeting: 95-136 on 3/23/22 in Birmingham

Livestream: Bally Sports Sun, NBAGLeague.com

All-Time Record: 2-1

Streak: L1

The Skyforce moved two games over .500 and are coming into the match-up with the Birmingham Squadron riding a two-game winning streak. They swept the season series with the Texas Legends on Tuesday night with a 105-93 victory highlighted by a 35-point second quarter, which helped secure the victory for Sioux Falls.

Justin Champagnie led the team in scoring for the first time, going for 20 points on 7-9 FGA and four rebounds in 25:44 minutes off the bench. In total, the second unit provided 50 points on 65.6 percent shooting (21-32 FGA), 18 rebounds, 11 assists, nine steals and a combined plus-64 plus-minus. The Skyforce defense held the Legends, who ranked second in the G League in three-point percentage, to 25.6 percent shooting (10-39 3PA) and 93 points, with no quarter above 25 points scored. It marked the third time this season Sioux Falls has held back-to-back opponents to under 100 points and the team is 11-1 when doing such.

Birmingham comes to the Sanford Pentagon on a three-game losing streak and at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Despite the record, the Squadron holds victories over the Legends, Stockton Kings, Raptors 905 and Maine Celtics (three-of-four would be in the NBA G League playoffs if they started today).

They feature former Skyforce and Miami HEAT two-way player Javonte Smart. He played with Sioux Falls in 2021-22 and earned two NBA Call-Ups. Birmingham also features Zylan Cheatham, who inked a 10-day contract with the HEAT during the 2021-22 season.

The Squadron is undefeated this season when scoring 110-plus points and winless when scoring under 110 points per game. Their 16 points in fast break are good for second in the G League, as they look to push the ball in transition. However, they rank last in the G League with just 39.3 rebounds per game. Both teams will finish the two-game series on Sunday at 3:00 PM CST.

Check out the Sioux Falls Skyforce Statistics

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