G League Sioux Falls Skyforce

Huge Third Quarter Propels Skyforce to Christmas Night Win

Published on December 25, 2015 under NBA G League (G League)
Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release


Sioux Falls, SD - The Sioux Falls Skyforce (10-3) earned their seventh straight home win with a 99-84 victory over the Oklahoma City Blue (2-13) on Christmas Night at the Sanford Pentagon. The Skyforce are now 15-11 on Christmas Night in franchise history.

Trailing by one, 55-54, with 6:44 remaining in the third quarter, the Skyforce went on a 20-0 run over the next five minutes to take a 74-55 advantage and never looked back.

The Skyforce relied on consistent production from familiar faces throughout the game. Keith Benson (21 points, 11 rebounds) led the way recording his second straight double-double (inactive last game due to an ankle injury). Benson has now scored in double figures in 10 of his 12 games played this season. Byron Mullens (19 points, 13 rebounds) also recorded his second straight double-double and set a new season high in rebounds with 13 in the game.

Dakari Johnson (12 points, nine rebounds) and Mustapha Farrakhan (10 points) each contributed 10 first half points for the Blue in a back and forth first half with the Skyforce. JP Tokoto (13 points, nine rebounds) and Oklahoma City Thunder assignee Mitch McGary (10 points, nine rebounds) got off to fast starts as well, but Sioux Falls held them in check in the second half on their way to another win.

All five starters scored in double figures for the Skyforce and three players eclipsed 20 points in the game. The Skyforce shot 46 percent on the game while holding Oklahoma City to just 34 percent from the field. Sioux Falls has now held opponents under 50 percent shooting in every game this season.

DeAndre Liggins (20 points, six assists, four rebounds, three steals) and Tre Kelley (20 points, nine assists, four rebounds, four steals) helped Sioux Falls outscore Oklahoma City 30-12 in the pivotal third quarter. Kelley has now scored in double digits in all 13 games this season and with three steals on the night, Liggins continued his streak of recording at least one steal in every game this season and now has 11 steals in his last three games.

Stingy defense and a well-rounded offensive attack was the story again for Sioux Falls. They forced 25 turnovers on the game and recorded 14 steals as a team, with Rodney McGruder displaying his defensive tenacity with a season-high five steals on the evening. The Skyforce entered the game averaging an NBA Development League-best 21 forced turnovers per game. Sioux Falls was also ranked second in steals per game averaging 10.3 per game.

The Skyforce travel to Fort Wayne to take on the Mad Ants (9-6) on Sunday, December 27, in the first of six match ups away from Sioux Falls. Oklahoma City is also in action on Sunday as they travel to Idaho (5-12) to take on the Stampede.

Check out the Sioux Falls Skyforce Statistics

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NBA G League Stories from December 25, 2015


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