Stars Clinch Playoffs With Victory Over Vipers

March 29, 2024 - NBA G League (G League)
Salt Lake City Stars News Release

EDINBURG, Texas - The Salt Lake City Stars (20-13) the official NBA G League Affiliate of the Utah Jazz, earned their eleventh-straight win tonight, defeating the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (Houston Rockets affiliate) (19-14), 117-116, and clinching a playoff spot.

All Salt Lake City starters reached double-figures, led by Utah Jazz assignment players Kenneth Lofton Jr. and Darius Bazley, who reached 21 points respectively. Bazley secured a double-double, grabbing 10 rebounds, while Lofton served a team-high seven assists. Stars guard Taevion Kinsey added 17 points, along with a game-high 15 rebounds for the Stars.

The game started with the Stars coming out on top, finishing the first quarter with a nine-point advantage. Salt Lake City continued to carry their lead over Rio Grande, heading into intermission ahead, 58-53. The Vipers came out of the break with vengeance, outscoring the Stars 35-27 in the third, heading into the final frame up 88-85. The fourth quarter saw the Vipers take the largest lead of the night, reaching 13 points. However, Salt Lake City fought to the finish, overcoming the deficit in the final minutes of play to secure their eleventh victory, 117-116. The Salt Lake City victory over Rio Grande Valley clinched a spot in the G League Playoffs.

The Vipers were paced by Jarrett Culver, who scored a game-high 25 points to go with nine rebounds, and seven assists. Forward Darius Days tallied 20 points, and four rebounds off the bench.

Salt Lake City will face-off in the second game of their back-to-back set, tomorrow night against Rio Grande Valley at Bert Ogden Arena. The Stars final regular season game will tip off at 6:30 p.m. (MT) and will be broadcast live on NBAGLeague.com.

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