Former Skyforce Players Combine for 54 Points in NBA on Friday Night
Expect more nights like this as the Skyforce imprint continues to grow in the NBA. Nine Skyforce alumni are plying their trade in the Association.
Considering a heavy Friday schedule you had a bevy of choices of games to watch involving former ‘Force players. One game had former members on both sides as Philadelphia toppled New Orleans 96-81. Freshly minted Larry Drew II got 5 points a rebound and an assist in 13 minutes for the 76ers. One-time assignee Alexis Ajinca roared off the bench for 16 points, 14 rebounds and a block for the Pelicans.
Miami, being closely affiliated with Sioux Falls of course, picked up a 95-83 win in Sacramento using a well-rounded effort from Shabazz Napier with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and a block in 38 minutes. Also getting a start, but only playing 15 minutes Hassan Whiteside finished with 4 points and 2 blocks.
Detroit held off Indiana 98-96, but Donald Sloan came off the bench for 11 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds for the Pacers. Finally Atlanta went across the border to claim the victory 110-89 over Toronto with Amir Johnson gathering 8 points and 5 rebounds in a starting role.
However in the interest of full disclosure, the three other players with Sioux Falls connections did not take off the warm-up jersey. That includes Tyler Johnson and Justin Hamilton for Miami plus Toronto’s Greg Stiemsma.