The Stockton Kings playoff win moved the team one step closer to another title run Wednesday night, as the No. 3 seed defeated the No. 6 seed Iowa Wolves 116-104 at Adventist Health Arena to advance to the Western Conference semifinals.
Stockton used a balanced scoring effort and late-game execution to pull away, led by DaQuan Jeffries with 27 points and three steals. Patrick Baldwin Jr. added 25 points, while Jameer Nelson Jr. scored 21. Jon Elmore anchored the offense with 14 assists, and Dexter Dennis added 14 points.
Fast start, adjustments fuel second half
The Kings opened with strong perimeter shooting, taking a 37-32 lead after the first quarter. Baldwin scored 11 points in the frame, and Stockton connected on 7 of 12 from three-point range.
Iowa responded in the second quarter, trimming the deficit to one possession. Stockton entered halftime with a narrow 60-59 lead.
Dexter Dennis said the team recognized early issues but responded with better focus after the break.
“We had some communication mishaps in the first half,” Dennis said. “But in the second half, we picked up the urgency. Nobody’s going to give you anything, so we had to go take it.”
Defense, depth carry Kings late
Stockton tightened defensively in the third quarter, holding Iowa to 19 points and building an 84-78 lead entering the fourth.
The Kings extended the margin to double digits midway through the final period before Iowa answered with a 7-0 run. Stockton quickly responded with back-to-back three-pointers from Jeffries and Baldwin.
Elmore sealed the win with a three-pointer in the final 34 seconds.
Head coach Will Scott said the team leaned on its defensive effort and experience to close out the game.
“It felt like a playoff environment,” Scott said. “We stepped up defensively late and relied on our experience to get it done.”
Experience and chemistry show in playoffs
Stockton’s returning core from last season’s championship run continues to play a key role in the postseason.
Scott said that experience has helped the group stay composed in high-pressure moments.
“That championship experience is valuable,” Scott said. “Having returning players at this point in the season gives us something to lean on.”
Jon Elmore pointed to the team’s unselfish approach as a defining trait.
“When you have a group that genuinely roots for each other, it leads to team success,” Elmore said. “My job is to put guys in good positions, and they make plays.”
Elmore, who finished with 14 assists and no turnovers, said trust across the roster continues to drive the team forward.
“Everybody’s bought in,” he said. “Whether it’s your night or not, you’ve got to be locked in and play the right way.”
Looking ahead
With the win, Stockton advances to face the No. 7 seed Rip City Remix in the Western Conference semifinals.
The Kings return to Adventist Health Arena on Friday at 7 p.m., aiming to build on their momentum.
Dennis said the team’s mindset remains focused as the playoffs continue.
“You’ve got to take it one game at a time,” he said. “We’re not ready for it to end.”