Stockton Kings Fall to Salt Lake City Stars

The Stockton Kings, the NBA G League affiliate of the Sacramento Kings (15-9), fell to the Salt Lake City Stars (10-13), 119-123, Saturday night at Adventist Health Arena (formerly Stockton Arena). 

In the first half, Kings two-way guard Mason Jones drained a three to start the game and center Skal Labissiere slammed one in the paint to start the Kings 5-0 run. The Kings held the lead for most of the first period, until the Stars took a 23-24 lead with 2:10 left. Salt Lake City forward Justin Lewis’ foul on Kings guard Colby Jones set him up to sink in two baskets from the free throw line, and a quick turnaround shot with 3.4 left to gain a 32-29 lead. Labissiere and forward Stanley Johnson extended their lead 36-28 at the top of the second quarter. The Stars made a valiant effort in the second quarter, with the help of guard Jason Preston 12 points to end the half, 61-64, trailing by three.

Stars forward Keshawn Justice opened fire to start the second half, tying up the game 64-all. Stars guard Johnny Juzang’s jump shot pushed the team past the Kings 66-64 and guard Taevion Kinsey added two more on the board. Stockton forward Jalen Slawson drained a three, allowing the Kings to close in 67-68. The Stars then answered with a 13-point run with 6:56 left in the frame. Juzang punched in 18 points, helping the Stars to achieve their largest lead of the night at 78-96. The Kings late 9-2 run fell short 87-98 to end the third quarter. The Kings looked to spark a comeback in the final frame. Labissiere drew a foul, putting up an easy two. M. Jones connected with C. Jones in the paint to bring it 91-98. The Kings continued the chase until they tied it up 117-117.  Kings guard Jordan Ford’s foul on Kinsey gave the Stars a two-point lead. Forward Kessler Edwards’ layup tied the game 119-all. Justice’s three pointer gave the Stars the edge and the win was sealed by Kinsey going one-for-two from the free throw line.

Stockton Kings C. Jones finished with 26 points, six rebounds, and two blocks. Labissere added 26 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and three blocks. Assignee Kessler Edwards contributed 22 points off the bench, and picked up seven rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks. M. Jones notched a double-double with 19 points, 15 assists, two steals, and one block. 

Salt Lake City’s Juzang led the night with 30 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one block. Guard Jason Preston followed up with 24 points, nine rebounds, 12 assists, one steal, and a block, registering a double-double. Justice logged 18 points, five rebounds, and one steal. Center Micah Potter racked up 17 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists, earning a double-double. Kinsey recorded 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and a block.

The Stockton Kings will take on the Mexico City Capitanes at Golden 1 Center on Thursday, March 7 at 11:00 AM PST.