Meet the No. 2 Reno Bighorns
NBA Affiliate: Sacramento Kings
Regular Season Record: 29-12
Key Stat: 34.7 defensive rebounds per game (2nd in NBA G League)
Meet the No. 6 South Bay Lakers
NBA Affiliate: Los Angeles Lakers
Regular Season Record: 28-22
Key Stat: 38.7 3-point percentage (3rd in NBA G League)
SEASON SERIES: Reno wins 3-1
Game 1: South Bay 128, Reno 117
Top scorers
Alex Caruso (SBL): 28 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists
David Stockton (RNO): 30 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists
Game 2: Reno 133, South Bay 100
Top scorers
Aaron Harrison (RNO): 22 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals
Thomas Bryant (SBL): 13 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks
Game 3: Reno 113, South Bay 110
Top scorers
Matt Jones (RNO): 21 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals
Scott Machado (SBL): 22 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists
Game 4: Reno 135, South Bay 124
Top scorers
Aaron Harrison (RNO): 29 points, 6 3PM
Alex Caruso (SBL): 35 points, 3 rebounds, 10 assists
How They Got Here
Reno Bighorns: Despite a tough start to the season, the Bighorns put together a stretch during December and January where they won 12 of 13 games, leading them towards the top of the Western Conference. Although star prospects Aaron Harrison and David Stockton received Gatorade call-ups to the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz, respectively, Reno was able to hold onto the No. 2 seed and earn a well-deserved first round bye in the Playoffs.
Two-way players Jack Cooley (17.7 points per game, 9.8 rebounds per game) and JaKarr Sampson (17.9 points per game, 7.1 rebounds per game) have helped lead the Bighorns during the regular season, and will be two players to watch for during the postseason.
South Bay Lakers: Led by the dynamic play from two-way player Alex Caruso (19.0 points per game, 7.8 assists per game), the South Bay Lakers found themselves making the NBA G League Playoffs as the final team in the Western Conference.
Although two-way players Caruso and Gary Payton II have led the Lakers throughout the season, assignee Thomas Bryant has displayed his abilities game in and game out when assigned to South Bay, throwing down thunderous jams throughout the year. At point guard, Scott Machado has become a reliable option for South Bay as well, finishing fourth in the league with 8.6 assists per game.
Players To Watch
Reno Bighorns
South Bay Lakers