Cyclones in the NBA: Week 12

AMES, Iowa – Georges Niang was the lone Cyclone to see action this week, taking full advantage of his opportunities and having a career night along the way.

Georges Niang - #20, Cleveland Cavaliers (24-15)
Niang and the Cavs had a perfect 3-0 week and are currently riding a six-game win streak. The week began in Paris, as the Cavaliers met the Nets in a special neutral site game.

The week ended on Wednesday night, as the Cavs hosted the Bucks. Niang had a historic night, going 13-14 from the field, canning five 3-pointers and scoring a career-high 33 points in 27 minutes. His 33 points are the 11th most scored in an NBA game by a former Cyclone. He is one of just seven Cyclones to score 33 or more in an NBA game (along with Tyrese Haliburton, Talen Horton-Tucker, Jeff Hornacek, Zaid Abdul-Aziz, Jamaal Tinsley and Mike Taylor).

Have a Night, @GeorgesNiang20!

The first 30 point game of his career! #Cyclones | #C5C | #NBAClones

pic.twitter.com/3jYXehPUwq
— Iowa State Men's Basketball (@CycloneMBB) January 18, 2024

Niang not only dropped a career-high but did so with historic efficiency. His 92.8 shooting percentage for a player with 33-plus points is the highest in a single game off the bench in NBA history. His five 3-pointers were also a season-high. Niang was celebrated by teammates following the game, winning the team's Player of the Game recognition with a golden chain.

pic.twitter.com/gQFfllNHrk
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 18, 2024

Niang's Week: 17.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.3 APG
Next Week: @ ATL (1/20), @ ORL (1/22), @ MIL (1/24)

Tyrese Haliburton - #0, Indiana Pacers (23-17)
After suffering a grade 1 hamstring strain last week, Haliburton did not see any action and is still recovering. The injury is not expected to keep him sidelined long and he could be back as soon as tonight, as his official game status was moved to questionable.

Haliburton and the Pacers had a productive week still, as the team went 1-2 but made a huge trade for Pascal Siakam to pair with Tyrese. Siakam, a two-time All-NBA player and NBA champion, will help alleviate the pressure that Haliburton faces.

Haliburton and the Pacers just so happened to be in Utah this week to take on the Jazz at the same time ISU was in the state to take on BYU. Haliburton stopped by the game and was even featured on the broadcast at the table.

"There's nothing like this... it's the best league in the world" - @TyHaliburton22

You heard it from the man 🗣️@CycloneMBB x @Pacers pic.twitter.com/9wD3VTH0HL
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) January 17, 2024

Next Week: @ SAC (1/18), @ POR (1/19), @ PHX (1/21), vs. DEN (1/23)

Talen Horton-Tucker - #5, Utah Jazz (22-20)
The Jazz went 3-0 on the week but THT did not see any action. Horton-Tucker was in Provo along with Haliburton to see the Cyclones take on the BYU Cougars.

Tyrese, Micah Byars and THT

Next Week: vs. OKC (1/18), @ HOU (1/20), @ NOP (1/23)

Monté Morris - #5, Detroit Pistons (4-37)
Morris has yet to play this season for the Pistons, as he's dealing with a quad injury. Morris has stated that he will be back before the month ends.

Next Week: vs. MIL (1/20), vs. MIL (1/22), vs. CHA (1/24)

G League Check-In
Five Cyclones have made appearances in the G so far this season. Lindell Wigginton became the all-time leading scorer in Wisconsin Herd history, while Brockington, Kalscheur and Conditt IV are all competing in their first season in the G League.

Lindell Wigginton - #28, Wisconsin Herd (4-4)
Stats: 19.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 4.9 APG

Izaiah Brockington - #21, Birmingham Squadron (3-5)
Stats: 12.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.2 APG

George Conditt IV - #16, Rip City Remix (5-3)
Stats: 11.4 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.8 APG

Deonte Burton, #4, Stockton Kings (8-2)
Stats: 9.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.7 APG

Gabe Kalscheur - #11, Washington City Go-Go (5-4)
Stats: 2.7 PPG, 0.9 RPG, 0.3 APG

To follow your favorite Cyclones throughout the NBA season, head over to the NBA App: https://link.nba.com/IowaSt23-24

Cyclone vs. Cyclone NBA Matchups this Week
N/A

Players Mentioned

Gabe Kalscheur

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics