Game Preview: at Warriors

Last Meeting: W, 105-102 on 12/28/23 in Santa Cruz, CA

Live Stream: NBAGLeague.com

All-Time Record: 8-9

Streak: W2

The Sioux Falls Skyforce looks to sweep the Santa Cruz Warriors on the road for the first time in franchise history tonight, after a 105-102 defeat in the final seconds on Thursday night. 

A victory tonight would also mark the first season series sweep of Santa Cruz and the first 2-0 regular season start since the 2019-20 season. 

Miami HEAT assignee Orlando Robinson led the Skyforce with 21 points on 8-18 FGA, 10 rebounds, a career-high seven blocks and four steals. Jamaree Bouyea added 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks after missing eight games due to injury. 

Justin Champagnie added 18 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Caleb Daniels led off the bench with 14 points.

Golden State two-way player Usman Garuba produced 16 points and 18 rebounds, as Pat Spencer led the team with 22 points and 11 rebounds. 

Despite a season-high 62 rebounds from Santa Cruz, Sioux Falls was able to give the Warriors just their third loss in 13 games of 50+ rebounds so far in 2023-24. The Skyforce were able to limit the Warriors to just nine fast break points, and when they hold teams to under 16, they are 9-1. 

Sioux Falls returns home to the Sanford Pentagon for the first time since 12/6 on Sunday (Dec. 31), as the host NBA G League Ignite (0-1) for a two-game series. Tip-off is slated for 3:00 PM CST. 

BIG O'S IMPACT ON WININING

· Orlando Robinson etched his 14th double-double in a Skyforce uniform on Thursday, as the team moves to 9-5 when he accomplishes double digit points and rebounds. He has secured a double-double in four-straight games and five of his last six. 

· It also marked his 15th game of 20+ points scored with Sioux Falls (second of three total games in 2023-24), while the team is 11-4 when he accomplishes that feat. 

· Sioux Falls is 10-2 in the last 12 appearances with Robinson, which dates back to the 2022-23 regular season. 

SEASIDE'S FINEST RETURNS

· Jamaree Bouyea makes his second return back home to face the Santa Cruz Warriors as a professional. 

· The Seaside, CA native (just 28 miles from Santa Cruz) played five seasons for the San Francisco Dons and helped them return to the NCAA Tournament (2022) for the first time since 1998.

· Bouyea earned All-NBA G League Rookie Team and All-NBA G League Second Team for his efforts last season with Sioux Falls. Since the beginning of his professional career (2022-23 season), Bouyea has a league leading four NBA Call-Ups. 

· With his performance on Thursday, the Skyforce moves to 15-3 all-time when he scores 19+ points.