G League Sioux Falls Skyforce

NBA G League Playoffs Game Preview: Skyforce vs Kings: Western Conference Semifinals

Published on March 30, 2023 under NBA G League (G League)
Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release


Stockton Kings (25-7)

Last Meeting: W, 144-119 on 3/18 in Stockton

Livestream: NBA TV

All-Time Record: 21-14

Streak: W3

The Sioux Falls Skyforce makes its third trip to face the Stockton Kings in the last three months with a visit to the Western Conference Finals on the line.

Sioux Falls comes into the contest fresh off a 115-107 victory over the Salt Lake City Stars in the opening round of the 2023 NBA G League Playoffs presented by Google Pixel. It marked the team's seventh-straight victory and advancement to the Western Conference semi-finals.

HEAT two-way player Orlando Robinson led all scorers with 31 points on 11-15 FGA and a game-high 17 rebounds. DJ Stewart added 20 points, 16 of which came in the first half. Mychal Mulder and HEAT two-way player Jamal Cain combined for 37 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists to round out top scorers for the Force.

The Skyforce has defeated the Stockton Kings twice at Stockton Arena, holding two of their three losses at home during the regular season. Sioux Falls handled the Kings 144-119 on March 18, as Cain led the way with 32 points and seven rebounds. Jamaree Bouyea and Justin Champagnie each had 21 points in the effort, as well.

Seven Stockton players scored in double figures in the loss, but Sioux Falls held all scorers to under 19 points and netted 27 points off 16 Kings' turnovers.

Containing Sacramento two-way player Neemias Queta will be crucial to earn the third victory over the Kings this season. The seven-foot center is averaging 16.8 points and 8.7 rebounds in the regular season, and the team is 8-1 when he scores 20-plus points.

A victory will clinch back-to-back Western Conference Finals berths in the last two playoff appearances for Sioux Falls. If Rio Grande Valley Vipers defeats the Memphis Hustle on Friday (tomorrow), the Skyforce will host the Conference Finals on Sunday. If the Hustle defeats the Vipers, Sioux Falls travels to Memphis for the first time this season.

Tip-off for the Western Conference Finals is TBD.

FOUR THINGS:

9-0-0

- A victory tonight gives the Skyforce their 900th victory in franchise history between the Continental Basketball Association, the International Basketball League and the NBA G League.

MULDER KEEPS MAKING HISTORY

- Mychal Mulder's accomplishments this season continue to grow, especially shooting the long ball.

- Earlier in the regular season, he became the franchise's all-time leading three-point shooter. He also led the NBA G League in the regular season for the most threes made (129).

- Mulder is closing in on 400 three pointers made with the Skyforce, as he is just three shy of the milestone.

STATEMENT STATS AGAINST STOCKTON

- Sioux Falls has a plus 33 plus-minus in two games against Stockton.

- The Force averages 128.0 points per game, while the Kings average 106.5 against Sioux Falls.

- Forcing turnovers has been crucial for the Skyforce, as they force 22.5 per game against Stockton and have scored 45 points off Kings' turnovers this season.

- Sioux Falls is shooting 40 percent from deep versus Stockton (28-70 3PA).

- Jamaree Bouyea leads all Skyforce players in points per game against the Kings. The Seaside, CA (two hours, 22 minutes from Stockton) is averaging 27.5 points per game on 64.3 percent shooting against the Kings this season.

TWO-WAY FUN... PLUS MISC. STATS

- Sioux Falls is 7-0 this season when having both two-way players.

- The Force is 11-1 in the last 12 games Bouyea has played.

Check out the Sioux Falls Skyforce Statistics

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NBA G League Stories from March 30, 2023


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