Game Preview: Skyforce @ Ignite

G League Ignite (11-17)
Last Meeting: 120-116 on 3/15/23 in Henderson, NV
Livestream: ESPN+
All-Time Record: 1-0
Streak: W1

Despite trailing at halftime, the Sioux Falls Skyforce rallied in the second half to defeat G League Ignite 120-116 in the first of a three-game road swing on Wednesday night at the Dollar Loan Center.

 
HEAT two-way player Jamal Cain powered the Force, as he netted a career-high 38 points on 11-18 FGA, 10 rebounds and four assists. In 29:38 minutes of play, Miami two-way player Orlando Robinson had 21 points and six assists. Justin Champagnie notched his fourth-straight double-double, as he had 15 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high five steals. The Skyforce scored 24 points off 15 G League Ignite turnovers and handled them in the fast break 27-18. 

The victory marked the first time this season Sioux Falls has had both Miami HEAT two-way players and Nikola Jović on assignment.
Ignite shot 52.4 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from deep in the loss. John Jenkins and Sidy Cissoko combined for 48 points on 15-33 FGA, nine rebounds and five assists in the loss for G League Ignite. London Johnson produced 16 points and six assists to help pace the team, as well. 

The victory loomed important for the Force in the ever tight Western Conference playoff race. With four games remaining, Sioux Falls currently has a half-game lead on the Rio Grande Valley Vipers and Ontario Clippers for the final spot. The Skyforce currently owns the tiebreaker with both teams, as well. 

A loss last night for the Salt Lake City Stars moved Sioux Falls just a half-game back of a tie for the fifth seed in the West. The Stars face the Oklahoma City Blue tonight in the series finale. 

Both teams meet again, tonight at 9:00 PM CST for the series finale. Sioux Falls finishes its road portion of the regular season on Saturday, with a rematch against the Stockton Kings (22-6, first in the Western Conference). The Skyforce outscored the Kings 60-44 in the second half on 1/9/222 to secure a 112-104 comeback victory at Stockton Arena. Jamaree Bouyea, who is expected to make his return from a 10-day contract with the Washington Wizards tonight, had 34 points against Stockton. Tip-off is slated for 9:00 PM CST on Saturday. |

THREE THINGS:
CAIN BROUGHT THE PAIN
• HEAT two-way player Jamal Cain secured a career-high 38 points on 11-18 FGA on Wednesday. 
• Sioux Falls is 14-7 when Cain has been transferred to the team. 
• It marked Cain's second-career game of scoring 30+ points. 

FREE THROWS MATTER
• The Skyforce shot 93.8 percent from the charity strike last night (15-16 FTA). 
• Sioux Falls is 7-0 this season when they shoot above 81 percent from free throws. 
• The team has shot over 92 percent from free throws in two of the last four games. 

STATS AND MORE STATS
• Justin Champagnie, who notched his fourth-straight double-double is just three away from tying teammate Orlando Robinson's G League era record for consecutive double doubles. He's just one-of-two players in the NBA G League in the last five games to average 21+ points and 11+ rebounds. 
• Jon Elmore ranks third in the NBA G League in assists per in the last five games (10.2). His 51 total assists are good for first in the G League during that stretch. • Sioux Falls is 8-2 this season when Nikola Jović has been assigned to the team.