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Valley Suns continue its fairy tale season

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Wendy Lopez | Last updated Apr 2, 2025 9:37 AM ET

TEMPE — The Valley Suns are continuing the fairy tale season, defeating the Santa Cruz Warriors, 131-127, to advance to the next round in the NBA G League playoffs.

The Suns dominated early on, raking 41 points in the first quarter and leading the Warriors into half-time 78-67. However, as the third quarter started, the Suns felt the pressure. An 11-point lead was turned into the Suns trailing 101-105, with missed shots and loss of focus.

As the fourth quarter started, the Suns worked to erase the deficit. After a layup and free throw from Jaden Shackelford, the Suns were within a point of the Warriors. With less than nine minutes in the quarter, the Suns trailed again 107-116.

In the last eight minutes, the Suns scored 24 more points, with guard TyTy Washington and forward Jalen Bridges leading the charge.

TyTy Washington Jr. had himself a night! The @Suns’ two-way signee erupted for a season-high in scoring, leading the @GLeagueSuns to their first-ever #NBAGLeaguePlayoffs victory. pic.twitter.com/5sS4XZe8k9

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) April 2, 2025

Washington was the star, scoring 40 points and nine assists. Guard Jaden Shackelford also delivered a spectacular performance, scoring 21 points and making four rebounds.

new to this AND true to this

we’ll battle the @StocktonKings this Thursday, April 3rd at 7:00 PM MST in the Western Conference Semifinal game!#TheRiseStartsHere pic.twitter.com/jmFwx2lSXa

— Valley Suns (@GLeagueSuns) April 2, 2025

Advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals, the Suns now face the Stockton Kings, who were given a first-round bye for the tournament. Catch the action this Thursday, April 3, at 7 p.m.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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