Stewart also fell victim to Team Honda Muscle Milk's super rookie, Justin Barcia, who finished a strong third in what was a much-needed bounce back following two straight zero points outings.

"It means so much to mean and my whole team has been working hard after two DNFs -- that's never fun," Barcia said. "We did better tonight, mixed it up, and got on the podium, which makes me really happy."

Stewart did well to come home in fourth, one spot ahead of long-time rival Reed, who raced his way forward after his opening-lap melee.

After securing up his best result of a difficult season, the mending JS7 was asked how aggressively he could ride with his injured knee. He admitted, "Not too aggressive. Just the last couple weeks I've had -- all season -- I just wanted to be there and see what the lead looked like. I actually got a lot of confidence tonight to be able to ride within a certain pace and still be there with those guys. Ryan did an excellent job. I was watching the Last Chance and saw him come up and pass that guy on the last lap. So congrats to him."

Andrew Short continued to impress after having his team fall apart around him a couple weeks back, riding a private Honda to sixth, one spot ahead of works Honda pilot Trey Canard. Suzuki-mounted Broc Tickle finished ninth, one position behind Villopoto and one ahead of Brayton, who regrouped to complete the top ten.

Millsaps now boasts a 14-point advantage over Dungey. Canard is third, 15 back, while reigning champ Villopoto finds himself displaced to fourth, some 17 points out of the lead.

WATCH: A3 Analysis

450SX Class Results: A3

1. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM
2. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki
3. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda
4. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki
5. Chad Reed, Australia, Honda
6. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda
7. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda
8. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
9. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Suzuki
10. Justin Brayton, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Yamaha

450SX Class Points

1. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki – 107
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM – 93
3. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda – 92
4. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 90
5. Chad Reed, Australia, Honda – 81
6. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda – 71
7. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda – 61
8. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki – 56
9. Justin Brayton, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Yamaha – 53
10. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki – 48