Game Preview: at Bulls
By Sioux Falls Skyforce Staff /November 22, 2023
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Last Meeting: 99-94 on 11/19/22 in Sioux Falls
Live Stream: ESPN+
All-Time Record: 2-3
Streak: W1
The Sioux Falls Skyforce returns to Chicago to face the Windy City Bulls on the road for the first time since the 2021-22 season, with early Central Division Showcase Cup rankings at stake.
Sioux Falls comes into the match-up winners of three-of-four games (the latter being a 117-106 victory to split a two-game series with the Wisconsin Herd).
HEAT two-way player Cole Swider erupted for 34 points, (career-high 9-14 3PA), five rebounds and six assists. Swider led the team, who was down by as many as seven in the final frame to a 30-10 run down the stretch (he posted 16 points on 5-5 3PA in the period) to secure the victory and keep within striking distance of Motor City for the top Central Division spot.
HEAT assignee and two-way players Nikola Jovic and Jamal Cain combined for 36 points on 15-27 FGA, 13 rebounds and seven assists, while Justin Champagnie produced 17 points and 10 rebounds (seven offensive rebounds) in just 23:44 minutes of play.
Much like the Force, the Bulls come into the contest winners of three of their last four games. Windy City commanded an impressive 94-75 victory over the Cleveland Charge on Sunday, as they held them to just 31.7 percent shooting from the field and 24.4 percent from beyond the arc. Julian Phillips led the team with 19 points on 8-13 FGA and 12 rebounds.
The Bulls are holding their opponents to under 96.6 points per game so far this season. However, their 104.0 points per game ranks 24th in the NBA G League and 29th in three-point shooting (28.3 percent).
The Skyforce's offense ranks in the top 12 in scoring (12th), FG% (3rd), 3P% (7th), and assists (26.8).
Sioux Falls handed Windy City a 99-94 defeat in both team's last match-up a season ago, as Mychal Mulder netted 29 points on 8-18 3PA and HEAT guard Dru Smith chipped in 28 points, five rebounds, six assists and five steals in the victory.
The Skyforce returns home after Thanksgiving for a back-to-back with the Iowa Wolves. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 PM CST on Saturday from the Sanford Pentagon.