Skip to Main Content

Ignite Fall Short In Hard-Fought Battle Against Skyforce

Official Release /March 16, 2023

HENDERSON, Nev., March 15, 2023 – NBA G League Ignite (11-17) fell to the Sioux Falls Skyforce (16-12), 120-116, on Wednesday at The Dollar Loan Center in Henderson, Nev. 

Sidy Cissoko and John Jenkins poured in 24 points each to lead the way for Ignite. Cissoko added five rebounds, three assists and one block, while Jenkins tallied four rebounds, three steals and two assists. London Johnson finished with 16 points, six assists and two rebounds on 7-of-10 shots from the field. Eric Mika posted 14 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Leonard Miller (11 points, 11 rebounds) recorded another double-double.

Jamal Cain paced the Skyforce with a game-high 38 points, 10 rebounds and four assists on 11-of-18 shots from the field, including 3-of-5 from the three-point line. Orlando Robinson followed with 21 points, six assists, two assists and two blocks. Justin Champagnie (15 points, 11 rebounds) notched a double-double, while Mychal Mulder finished with 14 points, five assists and three rebounds.

After a high-scoring first half, Ignite edged out a three-point lead at halftime behind John Jenkins, who scored 14 of his 24 points in that span. Ignite began the opening period on a 16-7 run until the Skyforce climbed its way back into the game toward the end of the frame. Ignite created separation to take a seven-point advantage into the second quarter. Despite trading buckets from the remainder of the half, Ignite never surrendered the lead in the second quarter en route to taking a 58-55 lead at the halfway mark. Ignite shot 53.5 percent from the field, including 5-of-9 from behind the arc in the first half.

The Skyforce caught fire in the third quarter after outscoring Ignite 40-28 in the frame on 54.2 percent shooting from the field, including 4-of-8 from the three-point line. Jamal Cain led the charge for the Skyforce by pouring in 14 of his 38 points in the period to take a nine-point advantage to end the quarter. In an exciting fourth quarter, Ignite battled back to potentially steal the win. Down by eight points with under three minutes remaining in regulation, Ignite cut its deficit to two points with the opportunity to even the score at the charity strike with 47 seconds remaining. Ignite missed both free throws, while the Skyforce quickly took advantage to take a four-point lead on the following possession. Jamal Cain, of Skyforce, put the finishing touch on the game with a breakaway dunk to seal the victory. After shooting at a 70 percent (7-10) clip from the free-throw line through the first three quarters, Ignite missed six free throws in a pivotal fourth quarter. With the loss, Ignite was eliminated from playoff contention.

NEXT UP

Both teams will square off in a rematch to close out the two-game series on Thursday at The Dollar Loan Center, tipping off at 7:00 p.m. PT/10:00 p.m. ET. Coverage will be available on ESPN+.