Vipers Suffer Tough Loss to Oklahoma City

January 3, 2023 – NBA G League (G League) – Rio Grande Valley Vipers News Release

Oklahoma City, Okla. – The Rio Grande Valley Vipers (1-3), the NBA G League affiliate of the Houston Rockets, dropped its match 122-117 in opposition to the Oklahoma City Blue (2-1) on Tuesday afternoon at Paycom Center.

With 8:44 to go within the first, the Vipers jumped to an 8-4 lead, however Oklahoma then went on a 5-0 run and took a 9-8 benefit with 7:35 to go. Oklahoma stored the lead till 3:36, when a basket by Kahlil Whitney tied the match 16-16. After that play, the Vipers misplaced the lead for a few seconds, however the crew was ready to come again and tie the competition 18-18 with 2:44 to go. RGV then hit the bottom operating and took a 32-28 lead on the finish of the primary.

The Vipers went on a 9-0 run and took a 10-point lead (41-31) to start the second quarter. RGV led the quarter till there was 15.6 seconds remaining on the clock and Oklahoma tied the sport 63-63, however the quarter was not over. Vipers Mustapha Heron hit a two-pointer proper on the buzzer which gave RGV again a 65-63 benefit.

In the third quarter Oklahoma City was making an attempt to make a comeback. With 4:16 to go the Blue trailed by two factors with a rating of 85-83, however the Vipers picked up the momentum and closed the third with a 96-89 lead.

During the primary six minutes of the fourth quarter RGV led with a rating of 104-103, however Oklahoma got here again and turned issues round. With 3:31 to go the Blue tied the quarter 109-109 and picked up the tempo which allowed the house crew to have a 114-112 benefit with 1:49 to go. Despite the Vipers efforts to draw back with a win, Oklahoma City walked away with a 122-117 victory.

Oklahoma City Thunder Two-Way participant Lindy Waters III hit a double-double for the Blue with 30 factors and 10 rebounds. Robert Woodard II completed with 24 factors. D.J. Wilson posted one other double-double for the crew with 20 factors and 13 rebounds. Adam Mokoka was only one rebound wanting a double-double with 14 factors and 9 rebounds. Both Jaden Shackelford and Ryan Woolridge posted 12 factors every. Abdul Gaddy obtained a double-double with 10 factors and 12 assists.

Jalen Lecque led the Vipers with a double-double posting 30 factors and 10 assists. Houston Rockets Two-Way participant Darius Days additionally hit a double-double with 21 factors and 11 rebounds. Houston Rockets Two-Way participant Trevor Hudgins and Kahlil Whitney completed with 17 factors every. Mustapha Heron got here off the bench to rating 12 factors. Trhae Mitchell hit 11 factors. Ray Spalding contributed 11 rebounds.

RGV returns to its residence court docket to play a back-to-back in opposition to the Sioux Falls Skyforce on Friday, Jan. 6 and Saturday, Jan. 7 at 7:30 p.m. CT at Bert Ogden Arena. Fans can stream the sport through www.NBAGLeague.comor Somos El Valle 5.3.

During Friday’s recreation the Vipers will probably be internet hosting a Different Is Beautiful theme evening which will probably be centered round inclusivity and consciousness for all disabilities. The first 1,000 followers in attendance will obtain a mini Vipers jersey introduced by Driscoll Health System. On Saturday, RGV will probably be internet hosting a Points for Pets theme evening introduced by Raising Cane’s. The Vipers, along with Yaqui Animal Rescue, could have an adoption space setup to undertake a furry buddy through the recreation. Cane’s can even be gifting away canine bandanas to the primary 500 followers in attendance. For extra information go to www.rgvipers.com.

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