Game Preview: Skyforce vs Charge

Last Meeting: 112-103 on 3/23/24 in Sioux Falls
Live Stream: Bally Sports Sun App, NBAGLeague.com
All-Time Record: 17-10
Streak: W3

The Sioux Falls Skyforce clinched an NBA G League playoff berth for the second consecutive season last night, the first since 2014-16 and the most regular season wins in the split season era. 

With three games remaining, a first round bye and at least one Western Conference home playoff game is well within reach, as the Skyforce sits just a game behind Stockton (half-game with a victory) before the two-game match-up next weekend (Fri/Sat, 7pm). 

Behind 67 combined points from Olin Carter III, Josh Christopher and Malik Williams, the Skyforce earned their third victory over the Cleveland Charge this season in a 112-103 contest from the Sanford Pentagon. 

It also marked the team's third winning streak of three-plus games during the regular season, as well.

HEAT two-way player Alondes Williams and Caleb Daniels added double doubles in the winning effort, with Daniels going for 12 points and a career-high 12 rebounds. Williams finished with 13 points and 11 assists. 

Containing Sharife Cooper will be the focal point today, as his 20 third quarter points gave the Charge as big as a seven-point lead in game. After giving up 35 points in the third quarter, the Sioux Falls defense tightened up, holding the Charge to 16 points on 21.1 FG% and 25 3P%, while Cooper netted two points on 1-7 FGA. 

Devonate Shuler scored 19 points in the first half for Cleveland, but was held scoreless in the second, while Cavs two-way player Pete Nance had 22 points on 8-16 FGA and 11 rebounds. 

Stockton (22-9) heads to face the Memphis Hustle on Tuesday, before a showdown for the Western Conference crown next weekend.

TOP 2 IN 35 YEARS OF SKYFORCE BASKETBALL

· Sioux Falls Skyforce head coach Kasib Powell has secured 78 wins in his three seasons at the helm of the organization.

· Powell is just one win away from claiming second all-time in franchise history. Nevada Smith had a 78-72 record from 2016-18.

· Fellow Skyforce Hall of Famer Mo McHone sits atop the list with a 195-159 record, which spans from 1995-99, 2006-07, 2010-12.

1-5-0 AT THE CRIB

· With a victory today, the Sioux Falls Skyforce earns their 150th win at the Sanford Pentagon. 

· Sioux Falls has a 32-14 record at the Pentagon since the beginning of the 2022-23 season, good for 70% victories at home.

· Overall, since making the Pentagon their home in 2013-14, the team has a 149-85 record, good for 64% victories at home. 

DEFENSIVE INTENSITY

· The Sioux Falls Skyforce defense has held opponents to 102.0 points per game in the last five outings (4-1 record).

· Opponents are shooting just 42.7 FG% in the last five against the Force, good for 4th in the NBA G League.

· Sioux Falls is 10-1 this season when giving up 107-or-less points.

MAN-MAN'S DIMES

· Alondes Williams secured his 9th game of eight-plus assists in the regular season. 

· Williams has 68 assists in March, good for 5th in the NBA G League and 183 total in the regular season is 10th in the NBA G League, as he's played the second least amount of games of all players in the top 10.

· In his last five games, he's averaging 7.6 assists, good for 5th in the league for players to play in all five of their teams last five outings. Sioux Falls is 7-2 when he has between eight and 11 assists.