G League Sioux Falls Skyforce

Skyforce 'Fulfilling' Season Goals on the Verge of First Playoff Berth Since 15-16

Published on March 23, 2023 under NBA G League (G League)
Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release


Ahead of this season, Sioux Falls Skyforce Head Coach and former G League MVP Kasib Powell preached to his newly assembled team about what the organization and community meant to him.

He talked to them about goals for the season, which included player development on-and-off the court and to make the playoffs for the first time since the organization won the NBA G League championship in 2015-16.

Not to mention, he told the team he wanted to lead the G League in NBA Call-Up's, as well.

It is fulfilling," Powell said of accomplishing lofty goals. "We wanted to shoot for something and set the bar as high as we can. That's what this organization has always been about. I take great pride in instilling that in our team and it means a lot that we can carry them out on a day-to-day basis. The small things lead to big things and that has always been a mindset for us."

Usually, NBA Call-Ups and playoffs don't correlate in the G League.

When you have a higher amount of NBA Call-Up's, it means your best players are being signed to the NBA on standard, 10-day, or two-way deals.

Sioux Falls has seen all three this season with their seven NBA Call-Ups. But this team has weathered the storm and has won seven of their last 10 games.

Every goal they aspire is right in front of them.

The Skyforce has shown all season they can win games with their two ways, assignees, or without either.

Again, a very tough ask in the G League. Sioux Falls has had 17 games during the regular season with a new starting five.

"It starts with the culture we have," Powell expressed. "Once guys bought it, it consistently built up. We keep our style of basketball and energy consistent. That helps us carry over - no matter who we have with us. That brand really fits our roster, and we strongly believe in a next man up mentality. It has paid off for us this season."

The outlook wasn't always as bright as it is now. Over the weekend of March 3-4, the Force were swept at home by the Iowa Wolves, who were 8-17 after the weekend.

At that point, it was looking like the team would potentially need to win six of the remaining eight games to earn a playoff berth, with five of them against the top three teams in the Western Conference.

With their backs against the wall, Sioux Falls responded, as they have all season. Mychal Mulder and DJ Stewart combined for 53 points, as Stewart hit a jumper with 2.3 seconds left to secure the season saving victory.

It would steamroll a 5-1 record in the last six games (currently a four-game winning streak) and a new fast paced offensive identity. The Force currently leads the NBA G League in points per game (130.0) and is third in plus-minus (10.5) in the last six games, compared to the season average of 115.5 (15th in the league) and plus-2.9 (ninth in the G League).

The Skyforce has had Miami HEAT assignee player Nikola Jović since the trip to South Bay and is 10-2 between the Showcase Cup and regular season with him playing on the Force. Jović is averaging 12.4 points on 46.7 percent shooting from the field, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.

The team has also benefitted from having the services of HEAT two-way players Orlando Robinson and Jamal Cain down the stretch, as well. Robinson has played in 29 games for the HEAT this season and has averaged 3.9 points on 53.5 percent shooting and 4.1 rebounds per game. Cain ranks third in the NBA G League in scoring for two-way players, with 23.1 points per game. On the previous three-game road swing, Cain has scored 32-plus points twice.

"It's been great having them," Powell said of the HEAT reinforcements. "They have a great work ethic and want to get better. The timing of them coming together on this last road trip gave us a boost. They're faces that we recognize. They've been in the Summer League and G League grind. They want to be here and want to win. We love to have them and consider them 'our guys'. They come (from Miami) and mesh perfectly and are here for one common goal. You couldn't ask for anything more from each of them."

The foundation was laid throughout the season, with players like Jamaree Bouyea, who is one of six players to average 19-plus points, five-plus rebounds and five-plus assists in the entire G League.

Mulder broke the franchise record for 3PM in late January and currently leads the NBA G League in 3PM with 121.

Stewart ranks second on the team with 21.9 points per game and has posted four games of 28-plus points scored in the regular season.

The late addition of Justin Champagnie has provided toughness and the ability to score off the ball. In his last 10 games, Champagnie is averaging 21.0 points on 52.1 percent shooting and 10.1 rebounds per game.

"They are the core that preach to our expectations and standards of basketball that we want to play," Powell said of his team. "Being able to win with them - the work that they all have put together is starting to pay off and show. It starts with them buying in and we appreciate their mentality and dedication to the same goal of making a run in the playoffs."

The path to the first playoff berth in over five years is simple. As of Thursday, Sioux Falls could clinch a playoff spot before playing their final two games. If that doesn't happen, one win in the final two would solidify a berth, as well.

It's easy for Powell, who is one-of-three members of the Skyforce Hall of Fame to use the opportunity to reflect on what it would mean for him to snap a five-season playoff drought. He used the opportunity for his players to be rewarded for their efforts throughout the season.

"It would be very special for the city," Powell said of clinching a playoff berth. "There has been a lot of anticipation of getting into the playoffs for a while now. We want to make a splash in the playoffs, but we have got here by taking one step at a time. As full circle as this is for me, I am just excited for players and staff to have all the hard work from throughout the season start to pay off."

Tickets for this weekend's final homestand are limited. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 PM CST on both Friday and Saturday from the Sanford Pentagon. For more information, please contact a Skyforce representative by visiting our Ticket Central Page or the Skyforce office at 2131 S. Minnesota Avenue or by calling at (605) 332-0605.

Check out the Sioux Falls Skyforce Statistics

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NBA G League Stories from March 23, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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