Stockton vs. Valley
TEMPE, Ariz. (Interstat) — The Valley Suns, anchored by a dominant second-quarter surge and a standout performance from center C.J. Huntley, defeated the Stockton Kings 117-108 in a G League contest Tuesday night at Mullett Arena.
Despite a fast start from the visiting Kings, who led 29-25 after the first quarter, the game turned decisively in the second period. The Suns erupted for 38 points, overwhelming Stockton’s defense to take a 63-53 halftime lead they would not relinquish. The Kings, who entered the game with a 28-15 record, could not consistently counter the Valley offensive barrage, which also saw a 32-point third quarter to maintain a double-digit cushion.
The most critical phase of the game was unquestionably the Suns’ second-quarter explosion. After trading baskets early, Valley seized momentum with a 13-2 run midway through the period, fueled by transition scores and forced turnovers. Key plays included a Sean McDermott steal and layup, followed by a McDermott 3-pointer assisted by Kaleb Johnson, which prompted a Stockton timeout with the Suns leading 48-37. The Valley run extended as their ball movement and interior play, led by Huntley’s rebounding and finishing, consistently broke down the Kings’ defense. Stockton’s offense, which had been efficient in the opening quarter, grew stagnant against the heightened Suns pressure, managing only 24 points in the period.
Huntley, a 6-foot-11 center from Huntersville, North Carolina, was instrumental in Valley’s interior dominance on both ends. His activity on the glass, including multiple offensive rebounds leading to put-backs, and his rim protection, which included two blocked shots, provided the foundation for the Suns’ victory. He was complemented by guard Zhuric Phelps, who facilitated the offense with multiple assists, and forward Koby Brea, who connected on several timely 3-pointers.
For Stockton, forward Patrick Baldwin led a balanced scoring effort with a strong all-around game, while point guard Isaiah Stevens orchestrated the offense with several assists. Center Gabe Levin was active early with multiple steals and baskets, but the Kings lacked the sustained defensive stops needed to overcome Valley’s hot shooting during the pivotal stretches.
The loss drops Stockton to 28-16 on the season, while Valley improved to 13-33. The result defied pregame projections, which heavily favored the Kings. It also marked the second time this season the Suns have defeated Stockton, following a 117-111 victory on Jan. 21.
Valley next travels to face the San Diego Clippers on Thursday. Stockton returns home to host the Salt Lake City Stars on Saturday.