The G League team used an explosive third quarter to extend its lead and never looked back.
The Valley Suns sent the Kings back to Stockton with a 108-100 victory in their home opener on Monday.
The Suns took control of the game in the third quarter, as Valley native TyTy Washington Jr. put on a show for his hometown by accounting for 17 of the team’s 30 points in the quarter.
Head coach John Little attributed the strong second half play to keeping rebounders like Skal Labissiere and Terry Taylor, which still managed a combined 18 boards, at bay.
“It really came down to that we were able to defensive rebound and (give up) no second-chance points allowed us to run and play free in our style of basketball,” Little said postgame.
Jalen Bridges dominated the first half with game highs in points (15) and rebounds (eight) to that point. He finished with 24 and 11, which were also game highs.
Bridges has the most to gain in these opportunities from an NBA standpoint, at least when it comes to making an immediate impact with Phoenix. While Washington may be the best player on the Valley roster, there just aren’t minutes to be had in Phoenix at his position.
Bridges, though, is a low-usage, high-production wing who can do everything NBA teams are looking for: shoot, attack closeouts, cut well, rebound, and defend. It’s not his calling card, but he flashed some clever playmaking as well.
JB from the top of the key! pic.twitter.com/TFXMgK1Lp1
— Valley Suns (@GLeagueSuns) November 12, 2024
“We haven’t even coached him on that, that’s just who he is,” Little said of Bridges’ cutting. “He just kind of feels the game out and he finds these little spots. We’re learning from him as we go.”
Bridges said he has to be able to cut as a shooter.
“Usually if your guy’s not all the way up on you, you’re looking for a shot. Then if he is on you and he’s got his back turned, it’s just a line cut,” Bridges said. “It’s just reading the game, trying to keep it simple to be honest.”
What went into the Valley Suns’ home opener at Mullett Arena?
Pregame festivities included the new mascot, Ray, making his debut. He was courteous enough to make the long trip all the way from the sun. Plus, Bridges took the mic to give a heartfelt thank you to fans in attendance, who got shirts upon arrival.
Little said postgame the arena atmosphere rivaled any he’s seen in the G League, with one of the best home buildings in ASU’s Mullett Arena, which will have opened 25 months ago on Tuesday.
Washington said at least 20 of the people in attendance were there on his behalf, and it felt good to play as well as he did (21 points and six assists) given he played his college ball and most of his pro career away from the Grand Canyon State.
For those who haven’t familiarized themselves with the G League game, the most jarring difference from the NBA game is the pace, which is ratcheted up by the “1 for 2” free throw method. A shooter only ever takes one free throw, and it’s worth two points, except in the case of and-ones.
The pace is also willed by coach John Little, whose system tries to mirror Mike Budenholzer’s with Phoenix. That leaves room for plenty of grab-and-go opportunities, which led to plenty of fast 3s and a streaking dunk by Mamadi Diakite off a feed from TyTy Washington Jr. early.
They’re at their best when the tempo is up, and their offense was visibly bogged down when possessions lasted longer than half the shot clock or so.
The Kings were led by head coach Quinton Crawford, who was an assistant on Frank Vogel’s staff in Phoenix. Former All-American while at Gonzaga Drew Timme and Sacramento two-way wing Isaiah Crawford both stood out.