Game Preview: Skyforce vs Spurs

Last Meeting: W, 131-107 on 1/12/24 in Sioux Falls

Live Stream: Bally Sports Sun, Tubi

All-Time Record: 17-21

Streak: W3

The Sioux Falls Skyforce remained the last standing undefeated team in the NBA G League on Friday night, as they routed the Austin Spurs 131-107 from the Sanford Pentagon. They have also played the most games in the G League so far to start the season, as well.

Justin Champagnie led Sioux Falls (8-0) with 27 points on 11-17 FGA, 15 rebounds and four assists. Alondes Williams added 28 points on 11-18 FGA, 10 assists and three steals, while HEAT two-way player Cole Swider netted 22 points on 8-12 FGA (4-8 3PA) and four rebounds. 

Sioux Falls produced a season-high 37 assists in the victory and had the most in a half, with 24 in the second. They also tied a season-high for points in the opening frame (42 points on 64.3 percent shooting, 18-28 FGA). 

San Antonio Spurs two-way player David Duke Jr. led Austin with 27 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Javante McCoy added 20 points off the bench. 

The victory Friday night gave Sioux Falls a 1.5-game cushion for first place in the Western Conference, as Stockton and Rio Grande Valley sits at 6-1 apiece. 

With a win tonight, it would mark the first time the Skyforce has swept Austin in back-to-back seasons (also the longest winning streak against the Spurs in franchise history) and would be the longest winning streak (nine games) in the Kasib Powell era and since the 2015-16 NBA G League championship team. 

The Skyforce embarks on a nine-day, four-game road trip, starting Monday, as they face the Texas Legends (4-2) on Monday and Wednesday, followed by two games at the Maine Celtics (2-4) against former Skyforce forward Drew Peterson. Tip-off for Monday's MLK game against the Legends is 3:30 PM CST.

WHERE WE RANK... 

· The Skyforce has the third highest scoring offense in the NBA G League (123.0 points per game) and first of teams that have played 7+ games. They shoot 49.6% from the field, good for third in the league, as well, and first of teams with 7+ games played. 

· The deep ball has played a crucial role in Sioux Falls' hot start, as the 106 makes ranks fifth in the G League. 

· The Force is averaging 11.3 steals per game (fourth in the league) and two players rank in the top five in steals per game (Champagnie is third with 2.7, Bouyea is fourth with 2.6). They both rank first and second for total steals, as well. 

CLOSING OUT GAMES

· The Skyforce moved to 13-1 between the Showcase Cup and regular season when leading after the third quarter. 

· Dating back to last regular season, Sioux Falls is 33-4 combined when holding a lead after the first three quarters. 

STARTING HALVES OUT STRONG

· Sioux Falls in the 1st quarter during the regular season: 32.8 points (2nd in the G League) on 53.3 FG% (3rd in the G League), with a +4.4 +/- (7th in the G League). 

· The Skyforce in the 3rd quarter during the regular season: 34.4 points (34.4 points (2nd in the G League) on 58.2 FG% (1st in the G league) with a +6.8 +/- (1st in the G League).