by SIOUX FALLS, March 21, 2015 – The Sioux Falls Skyforce (25-19), the NBA Development League affiliate of the Miami Heat, completed a season sweep as they defeated the Westchester Knicks (10-34), the New York Knickerbockers’ affiliate, by a score of 124-106.
The Skyforce went on a 9-0 run in the first quarter to take an early double-digit lead over Westchester. Of Sioux Falls’ 31 points in the first, 24 came in the paint compared to just six for the Knicks. Westchester cut the lead to within five points multiple times in the second quarter, but a hot streak of four three-pointers in a row, three of which came from Andre Dawkins, quickly gave the Skyforce its big advantage back as they ended the half with a 15 point lead over the Knicks.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo had a hot third quarter with 11 points and six rebounds for the Knicks. But despite Westchester’s 24 points in the paint to Sioux Fall’s eight, the Skyforce kept a double-digit lead over Westchester for the entire quarter. The Knicks went on a 7-2 run to start the fourth quarter, but the Skyforce regrouped quickly to reestablish their lead and went on to win 124-106.
Down to just eight active players in tonight’s contest, the Westchester Knicks were paced by Doron Lamb with 25 points and six rebounds. Thanasis Antetokounmpo just missed a double-double finishing with 19 points and nine rebounds. Durrell Summers came off the bench to score 16 points and Ben Strong (Red Lake Nation) finished with a double-double, posting 10 points and 13 rebounds.
Shawn Jones had a game-high 31 points for the Skyforce. Khem Birch recorded a double-double with 11 points and 16 rebounds, as did Larry Drew with 15 points and 11 assists. Scotty Hopson finished with 23 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
