AN OFFENSIVE explosion from Mason Jones was enough to get the Stockton Kings past the Austin Spurs and into the G League Finals in the last matchup of the Western Conference over the weekend.

The guard led all comers with 38 points in the win over the Spurs, continuing a hot patch of form throughout the postseason that has been enough to put the Kings into the Finals against the Osceola Magic.

Stockton looked in trouble early when the Spurs went on a 16-2 run in the first quarter to lead by 10 at the first change at Adventist Health Arena. The Kings tightened the screws and reduced the deficit to seven at half time, before a dominant third quarter showing ultimately defined the game. Stockton outscored Austin 43-23 in the third frame to take a 13-point buffer into the final change, and although the Spurs posted 37 points in the fourth to try and deliver the comeback, time ended up winning out as the Kings claimed a six-point win.

Jones was instrumental in getting the Kings back into the contest after a slow start, and looms as a central figure in the Finals against Mac McClung and the Magic.

Austin Spurs (112) def. by Stockton Kings (118)

Mason Jones – 38 points, two rebounds, two assists

The Kings guard was at his brilliant best in the win over the Spurs, demonstrating his importance to the team and showcasing how high his ceiling is as a scorer. The 26-year-old was vital in getting the Kings into the final matchup, and will be crucial to their title hopes.

Jones kept Stockton in the match in the first term, nailing a pair of free throws and a stepback triple to ensure the deficit did not get out of hand. With the Kings trailing by just 10 points at quarter time (it was shaping up to be a lot worse at stages), Jones took over the match, putting the Kings on his back and having a huge say in the match.

Whether it was running triples, banking in floaters or finishing at the cup, Jones found his groove on the offensive end, and had 25 points to his name by the time the main break rolled around. It was enough to keep Stockton in the contest, and give his team momentum heading into the second half.

The defence looked to shut him down much more coming out of half time, as he had demonstrated his ability to take over a match with ball in hand. However, Jones still chimed in for some impressive makes, and nailed the dagger three-pointer with four minutes on the clock, putting the Kings up by nine and into the Finals.

He finished the game with 38 points on 11/23 shooting from the field and 5/9 shooting from behind the arc in a masterful scoring display. The battle between he and McClung could define the best of three finals series, with both players in tremendous form. If Jones can outperform the three-time NBA Dunk Contest champion, it will put Stockton in the box seat to claim the ultimate prize.