In a thrilling showdown at the Adventist Health Arena, the Stockton Kings edged past the Santa Cruz Warriors with a final score of 112-109 in the NBA G League Western Conference semifinals on Thursday night. Under the guidance of first-year head coach Lindsey Harding, the Kings, who finished the regular season as the top seed in the Western Conference, showcased resilience and strategic prowess to secure their place in the conference finals.
The game kicked off with both teams fiercely trading buckets, but the Kings' proficiency from beyond the arc proved to be a game-changer, propelling them to a six-point lead at halftime despite a challenging shooting performance of 7-of-21 from three-point range. Guard Deonte Burton spearheaded the offense with 19 points in the first half, demonstrating his knack for both long-range shots and penetrating drives to the basket. Power forward Stanley Johnson and center Jalen Slawson also made significant contributions, each hitting crucial threes to underscore the Kings' versatile attack.
The Warriors, not to be underestimated, saw center Usman Garuba dominate the paint and lead his team with 10 points and eight rebounds in the first half, contributing to Santa Cruz's rebounding advantage over the Kings.
The Warriors quickly erased the Kings' lead, turning the game into a back-and-forth battle. Santa Cruz's Kendric Davis put up a team-high 23 points, challenging the Kings' defense and stirring the home crowd. However, Kings' guard Jordan Ford emerged as a key player in the third quarter, scoring vital points including a buzzer-beater that kept the Kings within striking distance.
Nevertheless, point guard Mason Jones, known for his all-around play, delivered a crucial three-pointer with just 11 seconds left, thrusting the Kings into the lead and ultimately securing their victory.
Coach Harding praised the team's ability to make crucial plays when it mattered most, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in the playoffs. Mason Jones, despite early struggles, ended the game with 20 points, becoming the fourth Kings player to reach double digits in scoring. His late-game heroics were a testament to the Kings' collective spirit and determination to advance.
As the Stockton Kings prepare for the NBA G League Conference Finals on April 7, the team and their fans are buoyed by a hard-fought victory that exemplifies the gritty, never-say-die attitude that defines playoff basketball.
