The Stockton Heat and the Salt Lake City Stars battled in G League action at Adventist Health Arena in Stockton on Wed Nov 13, 2024 (Stockton Kings photo)

By William Espy

STOCKTON-The Sacramento Kings’ G-League affiliate, the Stockton Kings held their home opener on Wednesday night at AdventistHealth Arena, hosting the Salt Lake City Stars, the affiliate of the Utah Jazz. Both teams started their season with a loss, as the Kings fell to the Valley Suns on the road while the South Bay Lakers defeated the Stars. The Kings beat the Stars in close one by four points 116-112 in the home opener.

Kings Starters: Isaiah Crawford, Dexter Dennis, Jon Elmore, Skal Labissiere, Terry Taylor Stars Starters: Dane Goodwin, Isaiah Wong, Keshawn Justice, Oscar Tshiebwe, Taevion Kinsey

The Stars won the tip, but Isaiah Crawford made his presence felt early with a block on Isaiah Wong. That would be the theme of the opening minutes, the Kings were defensively solid getting multiple blocks and a steal in the first two minutes. Importantly, they were taking the ball down to the other end and converting on their possessions as well. Less than halfway through the first quarter, the Kings already had three blocks and two steals.

At the end of the first, the Kings would have a 32-28 lead. Dexter Dennis and Skal Labissiere were both off to a hot start offensively, with nine and six points respectively. As a whole, the Kings were shooting 56.7% while Salt Lake City was struggling offensively with just 34.6%.

Stockton extended their lead in the second half, as Labissiere and Dennis continued to score with ease. Labissiere was 6-6 from the field in the first half for 15 points while Dennis was 4-7 for a total of 12 points. On the other side, Oscar Tshiebwe had recorded a double-double before the game even reached half-time. He had 14 points and tenj rebounds heading into the break.

Throughout the night, Tshiebwe played a big part in the Stars’ being in the game. The Stars were also grabbing quite a few more boards than the Kings, as they led in that category 25-17. Drew Timme was in a bit of foul trouble early for the Kings though, having 3 personal fouls after 24 minutes.

Terry Taylor and Timme stepped up in the second half for the Kings. Near the end of the third quarter, Taylor quickly tied Labissiere for the team lead in points, with 17 apiece. Meanwhile, Timme had 14 of his own. The Kings pulled away quite a bit in the third, finishing the quarter with a 95-74 lead.

Heading into the fourth quarter, it seemed like it was the Kings’ game to lose but the Stars still had plenty of time to go on a run of their own. The Stars did just that, making it a nine-point game with just over seven minutes remaining.

The Kings were also held to just four points in the first five minutes of the quarter, leading 99-90. Wong was a bit part of the reason why the Stars pulled themselves back, with just over four minutes remaining, he was at 33 points on the night.

The Stars brought it within two points, but Labissiere put the game away with seven seconds remaining, extending the lead to four with only enough time for one possession.

The Kings ended up walking away with a 116-112 win, following a strong showing in the fourth quarter by the visitors. The two teams will face off again this Friday, once again at AdventistHealth Arena.