With a score (and team names) that only the NBA D-League could produce, the Sioux Falls Skyforce clipped the Rio Grande Valley Vipes on Wednesday night, 135-129, in a defensive battle that clearly found no flow from the start. Although former Gonzaga star Kyle Wiltjer may have been the high scorer on the night for the Valley Vipers, it was former Oregon State standout Gary Payton II, who chipped in one of the best nights of his young NBA D-League career, with an impressive 21 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals.
While it was believed that Payton II had a strong potential to make an NBA roster this summer, a sports hernia injury cut the young star’s chances short during the NBA Summer League and forced the 24-year old to try and make a roster via the tryout circuit.