The South Bay Lakers secured their spot in the NBA G League Western Conference Finals with a decisive 112-97 victory over the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Friday night at UCLA Health Training Center. The playoff matchup, presented by Google, showcased South Bay's depth and resilience as they earned their first conference finals appearance since 2018.
Five Lakers players reached double-digit scoring, with Los Angeles Lakers two-way forward Drew Timme leading the charge with 26 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. The performance demonstrated why the organization values his development within their system.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht, playing on assignment with South Bay, delivered an impressive double-double with 24 points and 13 rebounds along with two assists, one steal, and one block. His teammate, Lakers guard Kobe Bufkin, also on assignment, contributed 18 points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal to the winning effort.
Two-way guard Nick Smith Jr. and forward Arthur Kaluma each added 11 points off the bench, providing crucial depth that proved essential in the hard-fought contest.
South Bay established control early, building a 15-point halftime advantage behind a dominant 28-19 second quarter where Knecht exploded for 13 points. After extending their lead to 19 points in the third quarter, the Lakers faced a determined comeback attempt from Rio Grande Valley.
The Vipers mounted a 20-4 run in the fourth quarter that narrowed the deficit to just three points, threatening to derail South Bay's playoff aspirations. However, the Lakers responded with composure, closing the game on a decisive 26-14 run to secure their conference finals berth.
Rio Grande Valley's effort was led by guard Daishen Nix, who recorded an impressive double-double with 35 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Houston Rockets two-way guard Tristen Newton added 14 points, four assists, and two steals, while forward Cameron Matthews and center Efe Abogidi each contributed 11 points.
With this victory, South Bay advances to face the Stockton Kings in the Western Conference Finals on Sunday, April 5 at 6 p.m. at UCLA Health Training Center. The matchup promises an intense battle as both teams compete for a chance to reach the G League championship series.
