Cheers, claps and cowbells rang loudly in downtown Stockton on Friday night.
Energy was high at the Adventist Health Arena as the Stockton Kings, the NBA G League affiliate of the Sacramento Kings, defeated the Osceola Magic 144-126 during Game 2 of the NBA G League Finals.
Friday's game was part of a three-game series that began on April 8 at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida. The Kings lost against the Osceola Magic 129-118 in Game 1 of the NBA G League Finals.
On Friday night, fans cheered, "Let's go, Stockton! Let's go!" People donning black and purple clothing packed the stands during the sold-out game presented by YouTube TV.
With less than 3 minutes left in the first quarter and tied 30-all, the Stockton Kings went on an 11-2 run to take a 41-32 lead going into the second quarter. The Magic outscored the Kings 43-27 in the second period, helping them to take a 75-68 lead at the half.
In the third quarter, Kings guard Jon Elmore and forward Dexter Dennis each drained a three, giving Stockton a 110-104 lead. In the final period, the Kings were ahead by 23 points. They ended the night with a 144-126 victory.
Friday's win ties both teams with 1-1 in the three-game series, a Stockton Kings news release states.
The third game will be held on April 14 at the Silver Spurs Arena, according to the news release. For those who will be watching from Stockton, the game will also be on ESPN2.
Stockton Kings head coach Quinton Crawford told The Stockton Record during a post-game interview that the fans' support is appreciated.
"Please continue to support us. We need you like you could never imagine," Crawford said. "We love all you guys that show up to the games. Watch games on ESPNU ... and the ones that show up, we're super appreciative of everybody that supports us."
Crawford said that even though they had a plan going into the game, some adjustments had to be made.
"The offense rebounding, limiting their offense rebounding, locking out, that gave us the ability to run, get out and transition and put pressure on them early in the clock," Crawford said of what was key to Friday's victory.
He went on to say that he loves Stockton and how the community shows up for the team when they need it.
"We really needed them tonight. They played a major role in our run in the third quarter," Crawford said. "So happy that the community showed up."
Crawford said he was proud of the team's performance.
"These guys care. They care about winning," Crawford said. "That's all that matters to me. As long as they care about winning and they come out with the right attitude and mentality, we live with whatever happens."
