Vipers Outhustle Memphis at NBA G League Winter Showcase
December 20, 2023 - NBA G League (G League)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. - The Rio Grande Valley Vipers (9-6), the NBA G League affiliate of the Houston Rockets, defeated the Memphis Hustle (5-10) 114-106 on Wednesday afternoon at the Orange County Convention Center during game one of the 2023 NBA G League Winter Showcase.
The first three minutes of the game were off to a slow start as the scoreboard read 8-2 in favor of the Hustle. However, the Vipers quickly lit up the fuse and went on a 14-0 run. The run allowed RGV to take over the lead with a score of 16-8 and 3:41 to go. RGV maintained the lead until the end of the quarter and walked away with a 28-17 advantage at the end of the first.
During the second quarter RGV kept the fuse burning and extended its lead by 16 points. Going into the half the Vipers led 64-48 over the Hustle.
In the third quarter the Vipers led by as many as 23 points with 8:50 to go, but Memphis shortened that lead to a nine-point differential. With 4:54 to go the Vipers led 77-68. As the quarter progressed RGV came back to extend its lead and closed the quarter with a 92-79 advantage.
Memphis turned things around in the fourth quarter as the team clipped the Vipers lead to a three-point difference and a score of 103-100 with 2:30 to go. Despite the hustle from Memphis, RGV came out on top and walked away with a 114-106 victory.
Houston Rockets assignee Cam Whitmore led all scorers with 28 points followed by Jarrett Culver with 15 points and Houston Rockets Two-Way Jermaine Samuels Jr. had 14 points. Darius Days obtained a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Jalen Lecque posted 13 points from off the bench. Ray Spalding contributed 12 points.
Memphis Grizzlies Two-Way GG Jackson posted a double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Memphis Grizzlies assignee Jake LaRavia had 22 points followed by Davon Reed with 14 points and Matt Hurt with 13 points. David Johnson finished with 10 points.
RGV returns to the court tomorrow, Dec. 21 at 3:00 p.m. CST to take on the RIP City Remix for the second and final game, for the Vipers, of the NBA G league Winter Showcase. The game can be live streamed via ESPN+. For more information visit www.NBAGLeague.comor www.rgvipers.com.
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