T-Birds Fall in Opener to Vipers
February 4, 2011 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
Rio Rancho, NM - The Rio Grande Valley Vipers (20-9) used a big third quarter run to take control of their game against the New Mexico Thunderbirds (14-17) and win, 116-110.
In the first quarter, the Vipers jumped out to the early 12-2 lead in the first four minutes of the game. The Thunderbirds offense answered and outscored the Vipers 25-18 the rest of the quarter to close to within three, 30-27 after one quarter.
The high scoring game continued for both teams in the second as they combined to score 71 points in the quarter. The Vipers, however, would extend their lead to 67-61 at the half. Rio Grande Valley hit 7-of-13 3-pointers in the first half led by Connor Atchley who had three off the bench. Josh Bostic led all scorers with 17 points at the break.
The Thunderbirds opened the second half by scoring nine of the first 10 points to take their first lead of the game, 70-68. A Shane Edwards dunk at the 5:26 mark gave the Thunderbirds their largest lead of the game at 78-74. The Vipers responded with a 26-3 run to finish the quarter with a 19 point lead.
In the fourth quarter, the Thunderbirds held the Vipers scoreless for nearly four minutes and went on an 11-0 run to cut the lead to just 100-92. The T-Birds would get as close as five points, but the Vipers answered with a 12-7 spurt capped by an Ish Smith 3-pointer to push the lead back to double digits and take control of the game for good.
Bostic led the Thunderbirds with 26 points and 10 rebounds.
The Thunderbirds and Vipers will go at it against tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at the Santa Ana Star Center. Saturday fans can purchase $10 all you can eat vouchers.
Twenty of the NBA Development League's top prospects, including seven who have already been called up to the NBA, have been chosen to join the NBA All-Stars in Los Angeles to play in the fifth annual NBA D-League All-Star Game Presented by SonoSite on Saturday, Feb. 19, on Center Court at NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas. The game will air live on NBA TV at 5 p.m. ET.
Selected to the NBA D-League All-Star East Team were Chris Johnson (Dakota Wizards), Ivan Johnson and Garrett Temple (Erie BayHawks), Walker Russell Jr. (Fort Wayne Mad Ants), Othyus Jeffers, Courtney Sims and Curtis Stinson (Iowa Energy), DeShawn Sims (Maine Red Claws), Patrick Ewing Jr. and Dexter Pittman (Sioux Falls Skyforce).
Chosen to the NBA D-League All-Star West Team along with Alexander and Williams, playing host to the East Team in Los Angeles, were Marcus Cousin (Austin Toros), Trey Johnson (Bakersfield Jam), Shane Edwards (New Mexico Thunderbirds), Jeff Adrien and Mustafa Shakur (Rio Grande Valley Vipers), Larry Owens and Zabian Dowdell (Tulsa 66ers) and Orien Greene (Utah Flash).
Thunderbirds' season tickets are currently on sale, with full and partial season packages available. Single game tickets are also now available online at www.nmtbirds.com or by calling 505-265-3865. The Thunderbirds also offer family four packs: 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 nachos, and 4 drinks for $44.
NBA G League Stories from February 4, 2011
- Vipers Use 23-1 Run to Put Away Thunderbirds - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- Stampede Beaten By Bighorns - Idaho Stampede
- T-Birds Fall in Opener to Vipers - New Mexico Thunderbirds
- Wizards crack the Red Claws - Dakota Wizards
- Novak Shines As Bighorns Top Stampede, 110-96 - Reno Bighorns
- Late Surge Pushes Tulsa To 100-96 Win Over Utah - Utah Flash
- Late Surge Pushes Tulsa To 100-96 Win Over Utah - Tulsa 66ers
- Thunderbirds Donating 600 Tickets to Local Charities - New Mexico Thunderbirds
- 'Horns Add Sharpshooter Steve Novak to Roster - Reno Bighorns
- Stampede Acquire Dabbert - Idaho Stampede
- Energy Acquire Guard Mike Taylor - Iowa Wolves
- Utah Flash Mid-Season Update - Utah Flash
- NBA D-League Daily Developments - G League
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