The Stockton Kings weathered a monumental second-half collapse to secure their place in the NBA G League Western Conference finals, defeating the Rip City Remix 107-95 in a tense semifinal matchup at Adventist Health Arena on Friday night.
Despite building a commanding 67-44 halftime advantage, the Kings watched their lead evaporate during a disastrous third quarter that saw the Remix mount a 30-9 run. The game tightened to a two-point margin entering the final period before Stockton's veterans took control.
"We got it done," said coach Will Scott. "You'll take it any way you can get it. I thought we were on our way to a more comfortable victory, but we need to be more consistent through 48 minutes. Overall, I'm super pleased with the result I know we all went on a ride that we didn't want to go on, but it was a great win."
Guard Jameer Nelson Jr., who has experienced high-pressure situations throughout his basketball career, acknowledged the tension that filled the arena during the Remix's comeback surge.
"They made a really big run. I think it's human nature to get nervous. It's part of the game," Nelson Jr. said. "I went in feeling that, but I knew I had to help the team. It comes with it. I'm glad we were able to pull it out. This is a big win for us."
The Kings' early dominance was spearheaded by forward Jaylin Williams, who scored 17 first-half points while connecting on five 3-pointers. Stockton's defensive intensity forced 13 turnovers and held Rip City to 36% shooting before halftime.
"Our intensity to start the game," Scott noted. "We were really pressuring them and playing with force, which had them on their heels."
The momentum shifted dramatically after intermission as the Remix seized control on both ends. Stockton managed only 4-for-21 shooting in the third quarter while committing seven turnovers that led to 14 Rip City points.
When the lead dwindled to 83-81 with 6:36 remaining, recent Sacramento Kings 10-day signee DaQuan Jeffries took over. The guard scored nine of his team-high 25 points in the fourth quarter, including a crucial dunk and 3-pointer during the decisive stretch.
Nelson Jr. contributed 11 of his 18 points in the final period, while Patrick Baldwin Jr., on a two-way contract with Sacramento, added 18 points. Williams finished with 20 points and six 3-pointers off the bench.
Scott emphasized the team's collective approach that has defined their success throughout the season.
"It's never going to be one guy," Scott said. "We talked about that in our first meeting of the season. They've bought in. We have a deep team, and that's been a big part of our strength all season."
For the Remix, Portland Trail Blazers 2025 first-round pick Yang Hansen recorded 20 points and seven rebounds. Two-way signees Jayson Kent and Chris Youngblood led the offensive effort with 24 and 23 points respectively.
The victory sends Stockton to their third consecutive conference finals, where they will face the top-seeded South Bay Lakers on Sunday evening. The Kings will need to maintain their intensity for a full 48 minutes against a Lakers team that finished with the best record in the Western Conference.