Josh Richardson, Jarnell Stokes Lead Skyforce to Win

The Sioux Falls Skyforce have played solid team basketball en route to the best record in the D-League's Eastern Conference.

But it can't hurt that their two best players are on assignment from the Miami Heat.

Assignees Josh Richardson and Jarnell Stokes combined to score almost half of Sioux Falls' points in it 119-105 win over Raptors 905 on New Year's Eve. Richardson poured in 30 points on 10-22 shooting with seven rebounds, four assists, four steals, and was a game-best +20.

Stokes added 26 points, seven boards, three assists, and two blocks. He shot 11-13 from the floor.

Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra told the South Florida Sun Sentinel that Richardson and Stokes will each play one more game with the Skyforce before being recalled for the Heat's road trip beginning Jan. 8. They will rejoin the team after Saturday's rematch with the 905.

However, expect both players to be reassigned in the near future. Stokes has been recalled and reassigned several times this season, and Spoelstra added that the current assignement for Richardson is a good start, but he will need more time in the D-League, according to the Sun Sentinel.

DeAndre Liggins also stuffed the stat sheet Thursday night.

Fresh off of being named the D-League's Performer of the Week, Liggins posted an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double to go along with three assists and two steals. It was an efficient night for the Kentucky product as he shot 5-8 from the field.

The Skyforce have now won six straight, and are 13-1 since dropping the first two games of the season. They never trailed vs. the 905, and led by as much as 27 in the third quarter. Sioux Falls wraps up its current road trip with two more games vs. the 905 on Jan. 2 and 7.