Player Recap: Jamal Cain
By Sioux Falls Skyforce Staff /May 15, 2024
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Although the sample size was smaller in the NBA G League, Jamal Cain continued to build a solid foundation in year two as a professional.
He became the first player in Miami HEAT/Sioux Falls Skyforce history to spend full consecutive seasons on a two-way contract since it was created ahead of the 2017-18 season.
In 15 total appearances, the Oakland Golden Grizzlies' product averaged 23.5 points on 52.1 FG% (38.7 3P%), 10.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per 39.1 minutes.
Despite only playing in six Showcase Cup games, Cain scored 19+ points in five-of-six games. He also shot over 50 3P% in three-of-six games, as well (2+ 3PM in those games).
In his season debut, he went off for 38 points on 13-21 FGA (3-5 3PA), nine rebounds and four assists in a 129-116 victory over the Cleveland Charge on Nov. 14. On Nov. 22 at the Windy City Bulls, he flirted with his first career triple-double, going for 27 points on 9-18 FGA, eight rebounds and seven assists.
Cain averaged 23.2 points on 55.2 FG% (41.7 3P%), 8.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.8 steals during his Showcase Cup stint with the Skyforce.
In nine regular season games, he compiled seven double doubles and in his last give games, secured 5+ assists four times.
He had a season-high in rebounds (16) in a victory at Maine on Jan. 19, where he added 16 points, four assists and three steals. He followed that up with 33 points on 12-17 FGA and nine rebounds in the series finale on Jan. 21.
In a four-game stretch from Feb. 27-Mar. 10, Cain averaged 26.0 points on 50.0 FG% (41.2 3P%), 13.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.8 blocks. Cain was the only player during that stretch to average 23+ points and 11+ rebounds in the NBA G League.
That was highlighted by a career-high 39 points on 15-22 FGA and 13 rebounds against Oklahoma City on Mar 5. He added his first professional triple-double as well, with 22 points, 11 rebounds, a career-high 10 assists, five steals and three blocks against Salt Lake City on Mar. 10.
Cain went on to average 23.7 points on 50.3 FG% (36.8 3P%), 11.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 2.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per 40.2 minutes in nine regular season games to put a stamp on a season that saw strides on both sides of the ball.