Nuggets' Malik Beasley helps Skyforce to win over Stars in D-League debut

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Nuggets’ No. 19 overall pick Malik Beasley, on a D-League assignment with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, scored 15 pts, on 3-14 shooting, grabbed nine rebounds, and recorded three assists, helping the Skyforce to a 97-88 win over the Salt Lake City Stars.

In his debut with Sioux Falls, Beasley didn’t start, but came off the bench and played 31 minutes. His 14 shot attempts were tied for most on the team with Okara White and Marcus Posely, who finished with a team-high 23 points.

Beasley struggled from the field, went 1-6 from three, and did most of his damage from the line, going a perfect 8-8 from the charity stripe.

The No. 19 pick in this summer’s draft was assigned to Sioux Falls Friday after only appearing in nine of Denver’s 24 games this season. Beasley scored a career-high 12 points on 5-10 shooting in the Nuggets’ 125-101 loss to the Golden State Warriors on November 10 but only appeared on the court for four minutes over Denver’s last seven games.

Beasley’s assignment might signal that Gary Harris, who has been sidelined since November 13 and missed the Nuggets’ last 15 games with a right foot injury, is close to a return.

After playing 31 minutes in his debut for the Skyforce, Beasley can benefit from more time on the court with Sioux Falls than he would be able to get with the Nuggets.

The Skyforce don’t play again until Friday, December 16 when they’ll host Cory Jefferson and the Austin Spurs.