STOCKTON, Calif. — The Stockton Kings, the NBA G League affiliate of the Sacramento Kings, emerged victorious in their season opener against the Rip City Remix with a final score of 111-106 on Thursday evening at Adventist Health Arena.
In a thrilling first quarter, the Stockton Kings showcased their dominance on all fronts, shooting an impressive 60.9% from the floor and connecting on 6-of-12 three-point attempts. The team's cohesive performance was underscored by their superior assist count, outclassing Rip City with 10 assists to four. Forward Colby Jones spearheaded the Kings' offensive charge, concluding the quarter with 10 points at an 80% field goal rate. Jaylen Nowell, entering the game off the bench, contributed eight points and a rebound.
The second quarter saw a brief setback for the Stockton Kings as they trailed by three points, with Jones maintaining his status as the leading scorer. Ending the half with 17 points on an impressive 7-for-8 shooting, Jones showcased his scoring prowess. Stanley Johnson chipped in with nine points and a rebound.
After regrouping during halftime, the Stockton Kings staged a comeback in the third quarter, narrowing the deficit to 83-84. Capitalizing on Rip City's 10 turnovers, the Kings demonstrated resilience. Center Skal Labissiere's impactful performance included five rebounds and two assists, providing the Kings with a crucial edge. Deonte Burton contributed five points during this pivotal quarter.
The fourth quarter sealed the victory for Stockton, with an 8-point run tipping the scales in their favor. Nowell's 12 points, three rebounds, and two steals, combined with Mason Jones' flawless free-throw shooting, propelled the Kings to success. Labissiere capped off an impressive performance, finishing the game with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists.
Looking ahead, the Stockton Kings are set to host the Salt Lake City Stars at Adventist Health Arena on Saturday, December 30, at 5:00 PM PST.
For more information and updates, visit StocktonKings.com.
