Game Preview: Skyforce vs Capitanes

Last Meeting: W, 102-90 on 3/11/24 in Sioux Falls
Live Stream: Bally Sports Sun, ESPN+
All-Time Record: 2-0
Streak: W2

The Sioux Falls Skyforce has its eyes on a sweep of the Mexico City Capitanes and with a victory tonight will move back into first place in the Western Conference playoff standings. 

Sioux Falls defeated Mexico City 102-90 on Tuesday evening from the Sanford Pentagon. Malik Williams, Josh Christopher and Alondes Williams combined for 57 points in the bounce back victory, after being defeated on Sunday at home against a surging Salt Lake City team.

The Skyforce built as big as an 11-point lead to the 6:34 mark of the opening frame on a 17-6 start. Malik Williams paced Sioux Falls with nine points in the quarter to help guide the team to a 30-24 lead after the first 12 minutes. 

The Capitanes capitalized 17 points off 13 Force turnovers in the first half. Ethan Thompson also netted 11 of his 22 points in the second quarter, but Mexico City trailed 54-48 at intermission. 

Sioux Falls shot 55.6 percent from the field (10-18 FGA) and 62.5 percent from deep (5-8 3PA) out of halftime. They held Mexico City to just 36.8 percent from the field (7-19) and zero percent from deep (0-5 3PA) to build an 81-69 lead with 12 minutes remaining. 

Jamal Cain netted 14 points in the second half, as it helped the Skyforce take a game-high 17-point lead to the 3:53 mark of the quarter (100-83) and continue their league best 9-2 record at home. 

As we approach the final two weeks of the season, the Skyforce hosts the College Park Skyhawks (15-14) and former HEAT forward Chris Silva for the first time on Sunday. Tip-off is slated for 3:00 PM on Heritage Court. 

DEFENSE IS THE WAY

· Sioux Falls gave up 90 points or less for the second time in the regular season and third time combined between the Showcase Cup and regular season. 
· They held Mexico City to 44 percent from the field (33-75 FGA) and just 26.1 percent from beyond the arc (6-23 3PA). 

WILLIAMS WALL

· Malik Williams secured his 12th double-double (fifth in the NBA G League) of the regular season with 19 points on 8-14 FGA and 14 rebounds. 
· He has secured 14-plus rebounds in seven of his last 10 outings and his third-straight double-double. It also marked his third-straight double-double. 
· Of players to play 20 games for their G League team, Malik Williams ranks fourth in rebounds per game (10.2) and third in total rebounds (263). 

FREE THROWS COUNT

· Sioux Falls is one of the best free throw shooting teams at home, as they're shooting 80.8 FG% from the charity stripe (12.3/15.2 FTA).
· During the current homestand, the Force is shooting 91.7 FT% (11/12 FTA). 
· Josh Christopher, Jamal Cain, Caleb Daniels, Alondes Williams and Isaih Moore all shoot above 82 FT% for Sioux Falls.