Playoff Preview: Skyforce vs Blue
April 5, 2024 - NBA G League (G League)
Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release
Last Meeting: L, 129-120 ON 3/5/24 IN OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
Live Stream: BALLY SPORTS SUN APP, TUBI
All-Time Record: 10-14
Streak: L1
The Sioux Falls Skyforce returns to the playoffs for the second consecutive season for the first time since 2014-16 and just two wins away from the NBA G League Finals.
In their path first, will be the Oklahoma City Blue, whom they split the regular season series 1-1. It also marks the first playoff game between the two organizations.
Sioux Falls took the first game 122-103 on 2/13, as Caleb Daniels led the team with 26 points on 10-18 FGA and 6-9 3PA. The Blue defeated a depleted Skyforce team 129-120 on 3/5, as Miami HEAT two-way player Jamal Cain netted 39 points and 13 rebounds.
Oklahoma City comes into the contest winners in 10 of their last 11 games, which started just before the victory against the Force on 3/5. They defeated the Rio Grande Valley Vipers 126-125 in overtime on Tuesday in the Western Conference quarterfinals.
Four Blue players netted 17+ points, with Adam Flagler leading the way with 30 points on 7-14 3PA. Oliver Sarr added 14 points and 22 rebounds, as well. OKC fired 44.2 3P% in the game and held RGV to just 23.8 3P%.
Thunder assignee Ousmane Dieng is averaging 17.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists during the regular season. When he scores above his average the Blue are 11-3 and when he's below that they are 5-6.
OKC ranks second with a 103.8 defensive rating, and grabbing 72.8% of defensive rebounds, good for third in the league. As one of top four teams in terms of pace in the NBA G League, the Blue is 1-8 when held to under 110 points.
With the Stockton Kings defeating the Santa Cruz Warriors on Thursday night, the Skyforce would travel to face them on Sunday.
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