Stockton vs. Valley
TEMPE, Ariz. (Interstat) — The Stockton Kings used a dominant first half to cruise past the winless Valley Suns 123-105 in a G League contest Sunday at Mullett Arena.
Stockton improved its record to 6-3, while Valley remained winless at 0-7.
The Kings seized control of the game early, erupting for 69 points in the first half. They opened the game with a 32-point first quarter and followed it with a 37-point explosion in the second period, building a commanding 69-48 lead by halftime. The Suns, despite a stronger 31-point third quarter that saw them narrow the gap, could not overcome the early deficit as Stockton closed out the win with a 36-point fourth quarter.
Isaiah Stevens orchestrated the Stockton offense with a double-double, scoring 22 points and dishing out 11 assists. His playmaking was complemented by a balanced scoring attack that saw five Kings players finish in double figures. Daeqwon Plowden led the team with 24 points, while Jon Elmore came off the bench to add 21 points, many during a critical fourth-quarter stretch. Dexter Dennis contributed 17 points, and Dylan Cardwell recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds to go along with three blocked shots.
Despite the loss, Valley was led by a stellar performance from Koby Brea, who poured in a game-high 29 points and pulled down nine rebounds. Damion Baugh supported the effort with 26 points, and Khaman Maluach controlled the paint with a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds, also blocking three shots. Marcus Burk added 13 points for the Suns.
The game was the third consecutive meeting between the two teams. Stockton also won the previous two matchups on Nov. 19 and Nov. 20.
Stockton’s next game is at home against the Salt Lake City Stars on Thursday. Valley will look for its first win of the season when it hosts the Santa Cruz Warriors on Tuesday.