Richardson, Stokes Lead Skyforce in Comeback Win over Raptors 905
January 8, 2016 - NBA G League (G League)
Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release
SANTA CRUZ, CA. - The Sioux Falls Skyforce (15-3) defeated the Raptors 905 (5-15), 102-98, on Thursday at the NBA Development League Showcase in Santa Cruz, CA.
The Skyforce overcame a 23-point deficit to win their eighth game in a row, the longest win streak in the NBA D-League this season. Miami HEAT assignees Jarnell Stokes (26 points) and Josh Richardson (24 points) led the way for Sioux Falls. Scott Suggs poured in a game-high 27 points for Raptors 905, including five three-pointers and Ronald Roberts Jr. recorded a 13-point, 14-rebound double-double along with five blocks.
Raptors 905 shot 60 percent (12-of-20) in the first quarter and held the Skyforce to 33.3 percent (seven-of-21) shooting. Suggs led the way offensively for Raptors 905 with nine first quarter points on four-of-six (66.7 percent) shooting from the field.
DeAndre Liggins and Stokes added 10 points apiece in the second quarter but seven different Raptors 905 players scored in the second quarter and extended their lead to 13, 62-49, heading into halftime.
The Skyforce shot 56.5 percent (13-of-23) from the field in the third quarter behind Richardson's 10-point quarter, outscoring Raptors 905 by 12, 30-18, to trim the Raptors 905 lead to one, 80-79, heading into the final frame.
The Skyforce took their first lead of the game, 92-91, with 4:16 remaining in the fourth quarter on two Stokes free throws. Two Greg Smith free throws got Raptors 905 within two, 100-98, with 54.8 seconds left, then a key Richardson offensive rebound and turnaround jump shot secured the Skyforce's 102-98 victory.
Liggins finished with 19 points, nine assists and a season-high five steals and now has 27 steals over the last eight games (3.37 per game) and has at least one swipe in all 18 games this season, including nine games with at least three steals.
For Stokes, it's his seventh game with 20-plus points and the Skyforce are 11-1 with him in uniform. The Skyforce are a perfect 3-0 with Josh Richardson and he's averaging 24.0 points while shooting 47.5 percent from the field.
Sioux Falls will play their final game of the D-League Showcase on Saturday, January 9 at 10:30 p.m. ET against the Santa Cruz Warriors (10-10). Raptors 905's next game will also be their final game of the Showcase as they face off against Rio Grande Valley (10-8) on Saturday, January 9 at 8:00 p.m. ET.
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