Category: G-League

Santa Cruz Warriors podcast Michael Villanueva: Warriors come up short 108-99 and skid reaches six in loss to Rio Grande

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Santa Cruz Warriors guard Taevion Kinsey (77) takes it to the Rio Grande Vipers guard Daishen Nix (1) in the first quarter at Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz on Thu Mar 19, 2026 (photo by Michael Villanueva)

Santa Cruz Warriors podcast Michael Villanueva:

#1 Michael for the Santa Cruz Warriors Trey Galloway led in scoring with 15 points he was part of a effort in the second half that the Warriors tried to put together but fell short of catching the Rio Grande Vipers.

#2 Chance McMillan finished second in scoring with 17 points for the Warriors he got he looks but once again the Warriors fell short despite McMillan’s efforts.

#3 The Warriors had three players who finished with 12 points Marques Bolden, Taevion Kinsey, and Jordan Hall it was a battle for them but again frastrating.

#4 The Warriors didn’t get into foul trouble and they had a good run at trying to catch the Vipers but again couldn’t surpass them.

#5 This is the Warriors sixth loss in a row and this is a snake bitten team while their down to just nine players on the active roster.

Michael Villanueva is a basketball podcast contributor for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Santa Cruz Warriors Fall to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 108-99

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Santa Cruz Warriors guard (#77) Taevion Kinsey shoots a three-pointer in the 1st quarter against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on March 19th, 2026, at the Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz, CA.

By Michael Villanueva

SANTA CRUZ – Sea Dubs lost their first home game of the week, with still one more scheduled home game ahead this week on Saturday. The team lost against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Thursday, March 19th, at Kaiser Permanente Arena. Before this loss, Santa Cruz was already riding the wrong waves, as the team was on a 5-game losing streak prior. Going up against a team like the Vipers, which currently sits in 3rd place in the West, is a big challenge, with the team having just three more home games left. So, this wasn’t the result the Warriors were expecting in their home, with the final score being 108-99.

The Vipers’ last five games were 3-2, with their most recent game on March 17th being a loss to the Texas Legends, 108-104. Sea Dubs are holding a solid home record at 7-7. While the Vipers’ record on the road hasn’t been what the team wanted, 6-9. The NBA G League season is reaching its last five to six games of the season. Vipers are trying to hold 3rd place since the playoffs hold the top six teams in each conference. While the Sea Dubs are trying to keep swimming and fighting to get into the sixth spots, they’re currently in tenth place in the West.

The Sea Dubs started with guards Chance McMillian, Taevion Kinsey, forwards Jack Clark, Jacksen Moni, and center Marques Brown. Guard Chance McMillian is averaging 16.58 points per game and was hoping to carry the Sea Dubs to a win. Especially since Santa Cruz is 6-4 against the Vipers in the last 10 games played against each other.

Vipers sent out guards John Knight III, Daishen Nix, forwards Tristen Newton (2W), Cameron Matthews, and center Chase Jeter. Rio Grande is 2 games behind 1st place, South Bay Lakers, so any win count and helps at this point for them.

Right at tip-off, both teams were able to knock down three-pointers that got the fans in Kaiser loud and on their feet. However, it would be the Sea Dubs taking the early lead in the game due to them being more disciple and smart on their shot selection. Especially since they were shooting above 50% early in the game in all of their categories. While the Vipers were a little distraught at first, being on the road. Halfway through the 1st quarter, the Sea Dubs would hold a 7-point lead, 20-13.

Santa Cruz hustle was showing as they were leading in rebounds with 14 compared to Rio Grande’s 8 rebounds. Also, the Sea Dubs’ defense was on display as they had 4 blocks in the 1st. However, the Vipers would hit three three-pointers, which was able to put them back in the game. So with that, the Warriors and Vipers were tied, 26-26.

2nd quarter, the Warriors would become sloppy and careless with the ball at times. They already have 5 turnovers halfway through the 2nd quarter. Giving a helping hand to the Vipers as they were down by 1 point, 35-34, with 6 minutes left. Warriors forward Jacksen Moni would go on a solo 5-0 scoring run that sparked a scoring sequence for both teams. Also, with 4 minutes and thirty seconds left, the Vipers would take the lead by 1 point and push it to 3 points with an easy lay-up. A silent killer for the Warriors is their turnovers, with them having 8 versus Viper’s 1.

At halftime, the Vipers would lead the Sea Dubs, 56-42. A big scoring outbreak for the Vipers is going on, with a 14-5 scoring run to help extend their lead. With help on the Warriors’ end, due to them now having 14 turnovers. Rio Grande was able to get easy transition buckets and turnover points. The Warriors’ three-point shooting also wasn’t on their side. They were shotting 15.8%, going 3-of-19 on their attempts. The Warriors plan to come back from half more disciplined and determined to secure a home win this Thursday evening.

Vipers came out of the half ready to play and ultimately get the win. They would push their lead to one of the biggest in the night at 18 points. Vipers’ shooting and scoring was in well displayed as they pushed to find their inside man in the paint to get an easy bucket. With that, the Vipers would go on and score 40 of their points down there. So halfway through the 3rd quarter, the Warriors were down 14 points to the Vipers, 74-60.

After almost being down by 22 points in the final minutes of the 3rd quarter. The Warriors were able to still show some fight left in them. They would be able to drop the lead to 10 points entering the last quarter of the game. The Warriors’ turnovers would go to 17 in the game. So if Santa Cruz wants to get this win in their home, they’ll have to play smart in the final minutes.

The Warriors would open the fourth quarter by making their first two shot attempts. Then followed up by a big three-pointer by guard Chance McMillian to cut the lead by 5 points. A lot of back and fourth shots were taking place as both teams were trying all of their efforts to get this win. The Vipers’ defense showed out as they were able to pick up some crucial steals. The team would finish with 12 steals over the Warriors’ 4 steals.

In the final 2 minutes of play, the Warriors were down by 9 points, 104-95. Santa Cruz was really beating themselves as turnovers were, and they’re not making shots was the reason they were never able to regain the lead. Although it was impressive to see them almost come back from 22 points, especially in the 3rd quarter. Vipers would win the first one this week, 108-99. The Warriors were led by guard Chance McMillian with 17 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds.

Santa Cruz Warriors will come back to their home on Saturday, March 21st, to play once again, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. The game time for that one will be at 7 p.m. on NBCSBA+. The Sea Dubs are now on a 6-game losing streak, so with their rematch against the Vipers. They look to get at least a win for their home crowd this week and snap that streak.

Santa Cruz Warriors head coach Lainn Wilson podcast: Warriors trying to focus on each contest game by game; Santa Cruz enters Thursday’s game on a 5 game skid

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Lainn Wilson, 33, is head coach of the G-League Santa Cruz Warriors. | Source:Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Santa Cruz Warriors head coach Lainn Wilson said that the Warriors are trying to focus on each contest game by game. That you want to get a mix of everything but you still want to keep up the pressure and your season can be done early and that shouldn’t be a reason why your reason to give up.

The Warriors come into Thursday night’s game after losing five straight games their most recent on Tuesday night to the Capital City Go Go’s 137-130. The players are trying to better themselves regardless where they are in the standings.

Wilson says that they feel pretty confident going into this week and one of the game’s that he felt the Warriors had a good game inspite of losing was against the Cleveland Charge on March 14th 130-100.

After Thursday night’s game the Warriors continue this two game set Sat Mar 21 against these Rio Grande Vipers

Santa Cruz Warriors game wrap: Warriors swept away 113-104 by Lakers in “Surf City,” on a sunny Sunday Afternoon

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Jacksen Moni was one of three Santa Cruz Warriors to record a double-double on Sunday. (Shmuel Thaler – Santa Cruz Sentinel file)

By Michael Roberson

SANTA CRUZ, Calif.. — The Santa Cruz Warriors (13-14) fell below .500 after dropping their second consecutive game 113-104, to the South Bay Lakers (19-8), inside a sold out Kaiser Permanente Arena.

The Lakers also won March 6 by 21 points (131-110) at KPA. Coincidentally, the parent teams faced off at Chase Center, February 28, with the LA Lakers defeating the GS Warriors in blowout fashion, 129-101.

The SC Warriors got the contest started with a 5-0 run, including a THREE from the corner.. They also parlayed to their largest lead of the game (7). However, the Lakers did respond during the initial 12 minutes of play.

Santa Cruz was able to hold onto that lead throughout the quarter, but by the skin of their teeth at the horn. After one quarter of play, the home team led by one, 25-24.

The second period is when the visitors from Southern California made their move, They swung a 1-point deficit to a 15-point advantage by halftime. Superstar offspring, Bronny James Jr. was in double figures (11) at recess, hitting three bombs from beyond the arc. He had two teammates join him at that plateau, Nick Smith Jr. had 13 points and 6 assists, and forward Adou Thiero chipped in 10 points.

SCW had a lone hooper that fit those qualifications. Taevion Kinsey put up ten points by recess time. The Lakers were up 67-52 after 24 minutes of game play. The Lakers were up by as many as 16 points in the second period, and there were five lead changes and six ties during that time period.

After intermission, the Warriors found themselves down by 22 points during the third quarter, continued to fight. there was no change in the lead change or tie meter.. After 36 minutes of regulation, SCW’s deficit was at 20 points, 99-79.

In the final quadrant, the deficit for the Sea Dubs was ballooned to a high of 25 points. However, the Warriors had one last burst of energy to cut into the negative margin. They went on an incredibly 16-0 run to close out the game. Unfortunately for them, being down by 25 only puts a dent into their hole on the scoreboard. At the end of regulation, the Warriors did make it respectable by cutting SBL’s lead to single digits (9), but it was a consolation prize.

After 48 minutes of G-League action, the South Baand Marques Bolden offered 12 points and 13 rebounds.Taevion Kinsey (14) Lakers swept the weekend series, by taking the final game, 113-104.

The Warriors entire starting lineup was in double-figures scoring. Led by Charles Bassey with 24 points and 10 rebounds, Chance McMillian 14 points and 5 assists, Jackson Moni 14 points and 11 rebounds,

The Lakers also had five double-digit scorers. Adou Thiereo topped them with 25 points and six rebounds. Three players had 15 points: Bronny James Jr., Chris Manon and Nick Smith Jr.. Anton Watson tallied 10 points and 6 rebounds.

The Warriors will next be in action March 13 in Cleveland, as they take on the Cleveland Charge for a two-game series (13 & 14) at 4 PM PT and 7 PM ET. The Lakers head back to So-Cal and host the Iowa Wolves on March 11 and 13 Both games will be at 7 PM PT on SNLA.

G League Action: Santa Cruz Starts Fast but Third-Quarter Collapse Sinks the Night 131-118

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Tough night for the Santa Cruz Warriors who dominated by the Rip City Remix on Sat Nov 8, 2025 (Santa Cruz Warriors photo)

Santa Cruz Starts Fast but Third-Quarter Collapse Sinks the Night 131-118

By Brien Gingrich, Santa Cruz Voice

SANTA CRUZ–6:59 PM. Kaiser Permanente Arena hums again for night two of the back-to-back. This time, Santa Cruz opens with control and confidence.

1st Quarter. The Warriors jump out 5–0 before Rip City even finds the rim. They move the ball crisply, attack early, and keep the crowd engaged from the start. Santa Cruz leads wire-to-wire through the frame, closing the first up 30–26.

2nd Quarter. The offense continues to click. Trey Galloway finishes in traffic, L.J. Cryer runs the pace, and Marques Bolden controls the paint. The Warriors stretch the lead to ten midway through the period before the Remix close the gap. Santa Cruz heads to halftime up 64–62, shooting nearly 49 percent from the field and 37 percent from deep.

3rd Quarter. Then comes the undoing. Rip City catches fire, pouring in 42 points to Santa Cruz’s 23. Dillon Jones and Javonte Cooke take over, combining for timely buckets that flip the game. Missed rotations and turnovers pile up, and the Remix seize control. What had been a tight contest turns into a 17-point deficit, 104–87, heading to the fourth.

4th Quarter. The Warriors keep swinging. Cryer stays aggressive, Galloway drives through contact, and Bolden grinds on the boards. They cut the lead to single digits more than once, but Rip City always answers. The Remix hit 46 percent from the floor and hold firm at the line, pushing the margin back out in the closing minutes.

Final. Rip City Remix 131, Santa Cruz Warriors 118. Cryer led the Warriors with 22 points and 5 assists; Galloway added 21; Bolden 18; Ethan Taylor and Jack Clark 13 each. Santa Cruz shot 46 percent overall but couldn’t recover from the 42–23 third-quarter swing.

Stockton Kings game wrap: Kings just couldn’t get past Clippers in 102-97 loss in opener

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The Stockton Kings seen here battling the Salt Lake City Stars last season, opened up their regular season against the San Diego Clippers in the season opener at Adventist Health Arena in Stockton on Sat Nov 8, 2025 (Stockton Kings photo)

By William Espy

STOCKTON–The Stockton Kings took the court for the first time since being named G-League Champions on Saturday evening, as they hosted the San Diego Clippers. It was a close contest as the Clippers came away with a five point 102-97 win on opening night.

There’s been quite a bit of turnover during the offseason, as only a few players from the championship-winning squad returned, and there’s even a new face on the sideline, as Will Scott took over the reins as head coach.

Before the opening tip-off, the Kings unveiled their championship banner, and returning guard Dexter Dennis spoke to the crowd.

Once the game got underway and the festivities were concluded, it was back to business as usual for the Kings. Undrafted Sacramento Kings prospect Dylan Cardwell, out of Auburn, got the Kings’ first points of the new campaign.

The Clippers got out to an early, but small lead, but before long, the Kings had tied things up. Toward the end of the first quarter, the Kings went on a 12-point run, which saw them take the largest lead so far in the matchup, 27-14. At the end of the first frame, Stockton led 34-18. Stockton maintained their double-digit lead through the second quarter, taking a 61-43 lead into halftime.

The Clippers would cut into the lead slightly early in the third quarter, but not nearly enough to put pressure on the Kings.

That would change late in the quarter, though, as at one point the lead was down to just seven points, marking the first time the Kings’ lead was down to single digits since the first quarter. By the end of the third quarter, the lead was down to 77-72.

With 10 minutes remaining in regulation, the Clippers had cut the Kings’ lead down to just a single point and took their first lead since the opening frame moments later.

From there, the lead was traded back and forth, with neither side able to truly pull ahead of their opposition. Ultimately, the Kings would fall short to kick off their season, losing to the Clippers.

Santa Cruz Warriors game wrap: Remix knocks off Warriors in season opener 120-107

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Santa Cruz Shows Heart but Falls Short as Remix Rule the Opener 120-107

Santa Cruz Warriors can’t get by the Rip City Remix in the season opener on Fri Nov 7, 2025 in G League action on Fri Nov 7, 2025 (photo by Santa Cruz Warriors)

Fri Nov 7, 2025

By Brien Gingrich, Santa Cruz Voice

SANTA CRUZ–6:59 PM. The house lights drop at Kaiser Permanente Arena, and the buzz is back — a new G-League season on the coast. But opening night didn’t wait long to turn rough.

7:04 PM. Nearly three full minutes tick off the clock before the Warriors finally get on the board. Rip City Remix race out ahead, drilling open looks and pounding the glass. The home crowd keeps trying to will Santa Cruz into rhythm, but the rim feels sealed shut.

End of 1st. Rip City 40, Santa Cruz 21. The Remix are getting anything they want — downhill drives, corner threes, second-chance buckets.

Mid-2nd. L.J. Cryer finally steadies the offense with a couple of pull-ups, and Marques Bolden starts to make his presence felt inside. Still, every Santa Cruz surge gets answered by Blake Hinson or Dillon Jones.

“We dug ourselves a hole early,” said head coach Lainn Wilson. “They came out hitting, and we were chasing from the start. You can’t spot a team twenty and expect to climb back. That’s on us.”

Halftime. Rip City 70, Santa Cruz 48. The crowd wants something to cheer for, but the Warriors head to the locker room needing a reset more than a pep talk.

3rd Quarter. Santa Cruz finds a pulse. Cryer takes command — step-back three, floater, a feed to Bolden for a dunk. The communication tightens on defense, the hustle picks up, and the lead dips under twenty for the first time since the opening frame.

“I thought we responded well after halftime,” Wilson said. “The talk on defense got better, we went after loose balls, and we started to win the effort plays that define games in this league.”

4th Quarter. Jack Clark ignites off the bench — 17 points with fearless drives — and Trey Galloway adds steals that flip the tempo. The Warriors trim it to single digits, but fatigue and execution catch up late. Rip City hits clutch jumpers and closes it out.

“It’s the first one of the year, and you can tell guys are still finding their legs,” Wilson admitted. “The pace in this league is relentless. That’ll come with reps.”

Final. Rip City Remix 120, Santa Cruz Warriors 107. Cryer leads with 25 points and 7 assists, Bolden posts 15 and 8, Galloway adds 15 and 3 steals. The Warriors actually win the second half — 59-50 — but the early drought was too much to overcome.

Postgame, Wilson’s tone was even — disappointed but forward-looking. “The group’s disappointed, but that’s good,” he said. “It means they care. We’ve got another shot tomorrow, and the focus now is to clean up the first-half mistakes and build on that second-half fight.”

-Brian

NBA G League Finals: Stockton Kings are G League Champs; Kings defeat Osceola 118-110

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The Stockton Kings got the first step on the Osceola Magic on offense at RP Funding Center in game 3 in the G League Finals on Mon Apr 14, 2025 (Stockton Kings photo)

By William Espy

The Stockton Kings were on the road for the final time this season, as they visited the Osceola Magic in a winner-takes-all game three in the G League Finals and the winner did take all as the Kings took two out of three from the Magic 118-110 at the RP Funding Center.

The Magic got out to a decent lead by the end of the first quarter, leading 29-21 after 12 minutes. The Kings didn’t do much to slow their opposition’s momentum either, as they gave them two quick baskets to start the second quarter.

It very quickly seemed like the game could get out of hand. The Kings didn’t score for nearly three minutes to start the second, when Terry Taylor hit a free throw. The Kings clawed their way back into the game by the end of the half, as they trailed by just six points heading into the break.

Back-to-back three pointers a few minutes into the third quarter swung momentum heavily back in the Magic’s favor. While the Kings nearly evened up the game late in the third quarter, a missed free throw by Dexter Dennis once again gave the advantage to Osceola.

As a result, the Kings were faced with a deficit heading into the final frame. They were down by nine points with 12 minutes remaining. Within two minutes though, the Magic’s lead was down to just three points.

Within three minutes, it was a tie game thanks to a three-point play by Isaiah Crawford. With nine minutes remaining in the game, Stockton took the lead for the first time in the game.

The Kings lost Mason Jones to injury around the midway point of the fourth quarter, but were still fighting without one of their key players. With just over two minutes remaining, the Kings had a seven point lead and victory was within sight.

The Kings were able to hold on, and won their first ever G League Championship with a final score of 118-107. After the game, Mason Jones was named Finals MVP.

NBA G League Playoffs: Kings even up series 144-126 over Magic at Adventist Arena

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The Stockton Kings forward Terry Taylor (32) goes for the throw down against the Osceola Magic in game 2 of the G League playoffs at Adventist Arena in Stockton on Fri Apr 11, 2025 (Stockton Kings X)

By William Espy

STOCKTON–It was do-or-die for the Stockton Kings on Friday night in front of a sell-out crowd at AdventistHealth Arena. A win would force a game three in the NBA G League Finals. A loss on the other hand, would crown the Osceola Magic as G League Champions. The Kings performed well and won game 2 enough to live another game of the G League Playoffs defeating the Magic 144-126.

Early in the game, both teams were trading points back and forth. It took four minutes for a team to take a two-possession lead. The Magic maintained that pace for a while at that point though, as each time the Kings would score, so would Osceola.

Halfway through the quarter, the Magic had started pulling away with a seven point lead. Just a couple of minutes later though, Stockton would have a two point lead of their own. That lead would eventually lead to a game-high, at that point, nine point lead for the Kings at the end of the first quarter.

The Magic quickly shrank that lead, getting off to a hot start in the second quarter and clawing their way back into the mix. Once again, by the halfway point of the second quarter, the visiting team held the lead. They carried that lead into halftime, as the Magic led 75-68 after 24 minutes.

As was becoming a theme in this game, the lead would be short lived as a difficult three by Mason Jones tied the game up for the Kings with eight minutes remaining in the third quarter. After a back-and-forth quarter, Stockton carried a lead into the final frame. With a score of 110-104 in favor of the home team, it was still anyone’s game.

The Kings were dominant to start the fourth quarter. They quickly grew their lead to double digits with a 9-0 run, and forcing the Magic to take a timeout in the process. The Kings continued to grow their lead, making it 129-112 with just over half of the quarter remaining.

Led by strong performances by Jones, Skal Labissiere and Dexter Dennis, the Kings were able to overcome Mac McClung and the Magic to force a game three, winning with a final score of 144-126

NBA G League playoffs: Magic takes 1-0 lead in playoffs beat Kings 129-118

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Stockton Kings guard Dexter Dennis (9) goes for the throw down against the Osceola Magic in game one of the G League Playoffs at Spurs Arena Kissimmee Tue Apr 8, 2025 (Stockton Kings X photo)

By William Espy

The NBA G League Finals are officially underway as the Stockton Kings visited the Osceola Magic at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida on Tuesday night. The Magic worked the offense with Myran Gardner leading with 30 points followed by Mac McClung with 29 points as they defeated the Kings 129-118.

It was an evenly matched affair early on. The Magic pulled out to a narrow lead in the first quarter, as they were only able to edge out the Kings by two points in the first frame, taking a 32-30 lead into the second.

The Kings returned the favor in the second quarter, outscoring the Magic by two points and making it a tie game heading into halftime. Stockton and Osceola were tied 60-60 after 24 minutes, and it was clear that it wasn’t a coincidence these two teams ended up in the finals, they certainly appeared to be evenly matched.

The third quarter was when the Magic’s offense really broke through. The Kings were unable to stop them, and Osceola dropped a game-high 38 points in the third frame. Meanwhile Stockton was held to just 27, giving the home side an 11 point lead heading into the final 12 minutes.

The fourth quarter would once again be an evenly matched one, much to the dismay of the Kings. Both teams would end up with 31 points, and the Magic would take a 1-0 series lead in game one.

One of the G League’s most known players Mac McClung had a phenomenal offensive showing for the Magic, scoring 29 points. However, he was actually second on his team in scoring as Myron Gardner just slightly outperformed him with a 30-point game.

Meanwhile, the Kings were led by Terry Taylor’s 28 points while Mason Jones ended the night with 21 of his own.

Stockton will get the opportunity to even up the series on their home court on Friday night, as they look to stop the Magic from sweeping the best-of-three series and hope to force a winner-takes-all matchup back in Florida.