STOCKTON, CA – The Valley Suns emerged victorious in a thrilling matchup against the Stockton Kings on January 8, 2025, at Adventist Health Arena. After a sluggish first half, the Suns surged offensively in the second, snapping Stockton’s five-game winning streak with a decisive 111-102 win.
A Tale of Two Halves
The game opened with both teams struggling to find offensive consistency. The Suns and Kings combined for just 43 points in the first quarter, with missed shots and turnovers defining the early pace. At halftime, the Suns trailed by six, managing only 44 points.
The second half told a different story. TyTy Washington Jr. and Collin Gillespie led the Suns in a remarkable offensive turnaround, outscoring the Kings 67-52 in the final two quarters. Washington Jr. dominated with a game-high 31 points, while Gillespie contributed 22 points and 8 assists.
The Suns’ second-half shooting percentage jumped significantly, fueled by improved ball movement and timely three-point shooting. On the defensive end, Tyrese Samuel’s presence in the paint limited the Kings’ second-chance opportunities, securing 14 rebounds in a standout performance.
Key Performers Lead the Way
For the Suns, Washington Jr.’s scoring heroics paired with Gillespie’s playmaking proved critical. Tyrese Samuel anchored the team on the glass, while the Suns’ bench contributed 28 points, maintaining energy and momentum.
The Kings, despite the loss, saw impressive performances from Terry Taylor, who scored 23 points with 8 rebounds, and Skal Labissiere, who notched a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds. However, Stockton’s struggles from the free-throw line (62.5%) and beyond the arc (23.7%) hampered their ability to keep pace with the Suns’ second-half surge.
A Shift in Momentum
The turning point of the game came late in the third quarter when the Suns unleashed a 14-2 run, fueled by Gillespie’s quick decision-making and Washington Jr.’s hot shooting. That run erased the deficit and gave the Suns the lead heading into the fourth quarter, where they maintained control.
This game also marked the first time the Suns won three consecutive road games this season, highlighting their ability to adapt and execute under pressure in hostile environments.
Building Consistency for the Playoff Push
With the win, the Valley Suns improved their record to 4-2 and positioned themselves as a rising contender in the G-League standings. Head coach Jared Harper praised his team’s resilience, saying, “Our guys responded well after halftime. They trusted the game plan, played unselfishly, and kept fighting.”
Looking ahead, the Suns will aim to maintain this momentum as they continue their push for playoff positioning. With Washington Jr. leading the offense and a solid core of contributors stepping up each night, the Suns have proven their potential to compete with the league’s best.
The Valley Suns’ victory over the Kings is a testament to their growth as a team. By overcoming early struggles and delivering in critical moments, the Suns have shown that their sights are firmly set on success this season.
