G League Sioux Falls Skyforce

Motley, Legends Prove Too Much for Skyforce

Published on March 3, 2018 under NBA G League (G League)
Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release


SIOUX FALLS, SD - Dallas Mavericks two-way player Johnathan Motley dropped 20 of his 34 points in the first half, adding 10 rebounds to lead the Texas Legends to a 125-118 victory over the Sioux Falls Skyforce on Saturday night at the Sanford Pentagon. The loss ended Sioux Falls' home winning streak at five games.

The Skyforce (23-19) trailed Texas (24-18) by as many as 20 points in the second quarter before ending the half on a 10-2 run to cut the deficit to 12 heading into the break. From there, Sioux Falls outscored the Legends 39-25 in the third quarter to take a 91-89 lead into the final period.

Briante Weber (25 points and seven rebounds) led the second-half charge for Sioux Falls accompanied by Ike Nwamu (23 points) and a double-double performance by Kadeem Jack (15 points and 10 rebounds).

Sioux Falls led by as many as five points in the final quarter, forcing a Texas timeout with just over seven minutes left in the game while holding a 99-96 lead. However, the legends quickly took back the lead with a run of their own, and the Skyforce weren't able to get enough stops down the stretch to climb back into the game.

Jameel Warney (25 points, 15 rebounds and six assists) and Dallas Mavericks two-way player Jalen Jones (25 points, six rebounds and six assists) bullied Sioux Falls inside as the Legends scored 74 points in the paint on the night. Damon Lynn came off the bench to score 14 points (5-8 FG) to round out the double-digit scoring in the Texas win.

The Skyforce had an uncharacteristic night from beyond the arc, shooting just 22.2 percent (10-45) from long distance in the game. Already with a size disadvantage, Sioux Falls was forced to get their points at the rim for much of the second half.

Denver Nuggets two-way player Torrey Craig was held to just 12 points and eight rebounds, while Miami HEAT two-way player Derrick Walton Jr. was held to four points (2-6 FG) in just under 22 minutes of action. Despite their shooting struggles, The Skyforce used a team-oriented approach to keep within striking distance as nine of the 10 players that saw the court scored at least seven points in the loss.

Sioux Falls will now look to get back into the win column, staying home to play the Santa Cruz Warriors on Tuesday, March 6 at the Sanford Pentagon. The Legends now return home to take on the Fort Wayne Mad Ants at Dr. Pepper Arena on Wednesday, March 7.

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