Game Preview: @ Iowa Wolves

All-Time Record:36-48

Last Meeting:105-123 on 11/5/22 in Des Moines

Streak: L2

The Sioux Falls Skyforce dropped a tough 123-105 decision to the Iowa Wolves in the season opener last night in downtown Des Moines. 

The trio of Minnesota Timberwolves will be a focal point, as assignees Wendell Moore, Jr., Josh Minott and two-way player Luka Garza combined for 70 points on 25-41 FGA. Garza led the game with 30 points on 10-13 FGA and eight rebounds. 

The Skyforce, who had four players score 17-plus points, will look to limit the Minnesota players down in Des Moines. Another key to the game will be the three-point shooting, as Iowa shot 15-41 3PA (36.6 percent), while Sioux Falls shot 9-36 3PA (25 percent). 

Orlando Robinson, in his first NBA G League game, impressed with 21 points on 9-19 FGA and 10 rebounds. Jamaree Bouyea led a bench unit with 18 points on 8-9 FGA, nine rebounds and six assists. 

The team's 24 offensive rebounds on Friday are good for third all-time in the NBA G League era and most since the Force had 30 on 2/10/08 at Iowa.

Jamal Cain (17 points on 8-18 FGA and 13 rebounds) had the most rebounds in a Skyforce NBA G League debut since Kyle Alexander had 14 on 11/8/19. His eight offensive rebounds are the most in the NBA G League era for a league debut for a rookie, as well. 

Last season, the Skyforce went 4-4 in the second of a back-to-back but went 2-1 in the last three of the regular season.  Tip-off for the finale of a back-to-back with the Wolves will be at 3:00PM CST at Wells Fargo Arena. 

After returning from Iowa, the Skyforce will play host to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants on Thursday night at 6:30PM CST from the Sanford Pentagon. This marks the home opener of the 34th year of Skyforce basketball in Sioux Falls. Following that game, the Force will travel to Fort Wayne for a tilt with the Mad Ants on Saturday.