The Memphis Hustle were back in the Landers Center on Tuesday evening as they battled out the red-hot Sioux Falls Skyforce in an attempt to win a game and get back on track. The game slipped away from the Hustle early and despite an early fourth-quarter comeback, it just wasn’t enough for the win. This makes six straight losses for a team that was just on the cusp of playoff contention.
The Skyforce came into this game 19-10, one game outside of the #1 seed in the Western Conference G League standings, and showed exactly why they were there. Joshua Christopher was a human blowtorch and scorched the Hustle for 38 points on 62% shooting en route to a blowout Skyforce victory. Orlando Robinson also put up a monster game with 25 points and 12 rebounds, leading the game in boards. This makes back-to-back wins for Sioux Falls.
The Hustle remains in a state of scramble, and it continues to show on the hardwood. The roster situation and adding or subtracting pieces are obviously impacting them on a night-to-night basis. Davon Reed provided a good input and led the Hustle in scoring with 21 points to go along with five rebounds and seven assists. Matthew Hurt led the Hustle with eight rebounds to go along with 16 points and six assists. Memphis allowed the Skyforce to shoot 58% from the floor on the evening, including 41.7% from three, and could not capitalize on their 18 turnovers down the stretch, cutting their once 21-point lead down to six in the fourth before ultimately falling back apart in the loss.
The Hustle will resume action versus the Cleveland Charge on Thursday afternoon. The tip will be live from the Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi, at 7:00 p.m. The game will be available for viewing at ESPN+.
For tickets, call (901) 888-HOOP, visit https://memphis.gleague.nba.com/ticket-central, or visit the Landers Center box office.
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(Photo via @MemphisHustle on Twitter)