Third Quarter Sinks the Vipers
January 27, 2018 - NBA G League (G League)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers News Release
Hidalgo, Texas, - The NBA G League's Rio Grande Valley Vipers, affiliate of the Houston Rockets, were defeated by Grand Rapids Drive by a score of 101-129.
Grand Rapids' Reggie Hearn led both teams in scoring with 21 points. Kenneth Smith had a double-double with 10 points and 15 assists. Three Vipers scored 16 points in the game, Julien Lewis, Chris Walker, and Troy Williams.
The game was evenly matched in the opening quarter. Julien Lewis scored 10 points in the first quarter, going 2-of-4 from beyond the three-point line. The first quarter finished with the Vipers on top 27-26.
Grand Rapids stole the lead from the Vipers in the second quarter and started setting the tempo for the game. Bronson Koenig scored 11 points in the second quarter to help the Drive distance themselves from the Vipers. As both teams headed towards the locker rooms at half time, the Drive held a 51-62 lead.
Bronson Koenig and KJ McDaniels scored nine points apiece in the third quarter. The Vipers were not able to hold tGrand Rapids defensively in the third quarter. The Vipers were outscored 23-45 in the third. The biggest lead for Grand Rapids Drive was 37 points.
Rio Grande Valley put up a better performance in the final quarter, but the deficit was too large to overcome. After tonight's loss, the Vipers will have a short turn around time. The Rio Grande Valley Vipers will take on Sioux Falls Skyforce on Saturday, January 27th at State Farm Arena.
About the RGV Vipers and NBA G League: The two-time champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers are the NBA G League affiliate of the NBA Houston Rockets. The Vipers won the NBA G League Championship in 2010 and 2013. In 2013, the Vipers were also named the NBA G League Development Champions, which recognizes the team that best embodies the NBA G League's goals of developing NBA-caliber basketball talent via call-ups and assignments. The NBA G League is the NBA's official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league's research and development laboratory. Featuring 18 teams with direct affiliations to NBA franchises, the league offers professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. In fostering the league's connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA G League Cares programs. Fans can watch all NBA G League games on nbadleague.com.
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