Stockton Kings Conquer Santa Cruz Warriors in Conference Semifinals, 112-109

The Stockton Kings, the NBA G League affiliate of the Sacramento Kings (1-0), defeated the Santa Cruz Warriors (0-1), 112-109 on Thursday night at Adventist Health Arena (formerly Stockton Arena). 

Warriors forward Gui Santos hit two to get the contest started. Kings forward Deonte Burton answered with two of his own, followed by a stop and bucket from Kings center Jalen Slawson, putting the score at 5-2. There were two lead exchanges before the game was tied up 18-18 with 3:52 left in the first quarter. Burton drained five points to give the Kings the edge 23-21. The Kings maintained the lead in the second frame, shooting 50% from the field. Defensively, the Kings logged 11 steals in the half and the Warriors’ starting five scored no more than four points in the frame. Burton’s 19 points in the first half helped carry the Kings to a 51-45 lead.

In the third quarter, both teams traded shots before a late six-point run would give the Warriors the edge, 76-70 with 1:43 left. Kings guard Mason Jones, center Skal Labissiere, and guard Jordan Ford combined for nine points to cut the deficit to 79-82 by the end of the quarter. The final frame was tightly contested from start to finish, marked by five ties. With 54.7 seconds left, the game was tied, 103-103. Warriors center Usman Garuba’s layup broke the tie, but Jones’ five-point run put Stockton up 108-105 with 8 seconds left. Warriors guard Pat Spencer sank a free throw and Santos followed with a three-pointer to trail Stockton 109-110 with 1.8 seconds left. Jones drew a foul and made good on both free throws with his 15-point fourth quarter push extending the Kings lead, 112-109. 

Kings forward Stanley Johnson led the game with 25 points and recorded eight rebounds, five assists, five steals, and a block. Burton logged 23 points, two rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks. Jones registered a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds and listed four steals and a block. Slawson picked up 19 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. 

Warriors guard Kendric Davis scored 23 points and completed four rebounds, nine assists, and three steals. Garuba produced 21 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks. Spencer totaled 20 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Santos added 13 points, nine rebounds, one assist, and three steals.

The Stockton Kings will play in the G League Western Conference Finals on Sunday, April 7 at 6:00 P.M. PST at Adventist Health Arena.

For more information, visit StocktonKings.com.

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About the Stockton Kings

The Stockton Kings are a member of the NBA G League, the official minor league of the NBA. The Stockton Kings are affiliated with the Sacramento Kings. For more information on the 2023-24 season presented by Kaiser Permanente, call the Stockton Kings front office at 888.KNGS.209 or visit StocktonKings.com. Follow the team on Twitter @StocktonKings, Instagram @StocktonKings and on Facebook at Facebook.com/KingsStockton. 

About the NBA G League

The NBA’s official minor league, the NBA G League prepares players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA Cares programs.