Sioux Falls Skyforce used a balanced offensive attack and a dominant third-quarter run to defeat Grand Rapids Gold 130-116 at Van Andel Arena on Nov. 8, 2026. The NBA G League matchup saw Sioux Falls pull away after halftime, turning a competitive first half into a 14-point road win.

The Skyforce improved their early-season form with a performance built on interior scoring, offensive rebounding and bench production. Grand Rapids stayed within reach for much of the first half, but Sioux Falls’ depth and execution proved too much over the final two quarters.

Match overview: Skyforce take control after halftime

Sioux Falls led 32-25 after the first quarter and 66-55 at halftime. The Skyforce then opened the third quarter with a 16-2 run, pushing the lead to 82-57 and effectively putting the game out of reach. Grand Rapids responded with a 10-0 run of its own, but Sioux Falls answered with a 9-0 spurt to restore control.

Sioux Falls shot 51% from the field and made 17 three-pointers, while Grand Rapids shot 47% and made 14 threes. The Skyforce won the rebounding battle 48-40 and finished with 31 assists. Sioux Falls also held a 58-50 edge in points in the paint and a 55-42 advantage in bench scoring.

Key moments

• Third-quarter explosion: Sioux Falls’ 16-2 run to open the second half turned a 66-55 halftime lead into a 25-point advantage.
• Grand Rapids’ response: The Gold answered with a 10-0 run, but the rally stalled after Sioux Falls adjusted defensively.
• Closing kick: A 9-0 Skyforce run late in the third quarter ended any realistic comeback hopes for Grand Rapids.

Tactical story: rebounding and half-court execution

Sioux Falls controlled the glass and used offensive rebounds to generate extra possessions. The Skyforce’s half-court offense featured quick ball movement and aggressive cuts, creating open looks from beyond the arc. Defensively, Sioux Falls forced Grand Rapids into contested jumpers and limited the Gold’s transition opportunities after halftime.

Grand Rapids had success attacking the rim in the first half, but the Gold could not match Sioux Falls’ intensity on the boards. The Skyforce’s bench provided a consistent scoring lift, and their ability to answer every Grand Rapids run was the hallmark of a mature road performance.

Standout performers

Sioux Falls’ bench unit changed the game, combining for 55 points and several key defensive stops. The Skyforce’s frontcourt controlled the paint and the offensive glass, while the backcourt dictated tempo. Grand Rapids’ guards kept the Gold competitive in the first half, but the team’s defensive rebounding struggles proved costly.

Season impact

The 130-116 win gives Sioux Falls an important early-season road result and reinforces the team’s depth. For Grand Rapids, the loss is a reminder that rebounding and second-half execution must improve in a competitive NBA G League landscape. The Skyforce’s balanced scoring and defensive adjustments make them a team to watch as the season develops.