VIPERS DROP BACK-TO-BACK MATCHES AGAINST WARRIORS 

EDINBURG, Texas. (Dec. 28, 2024) – The Rio Grande Valley Vipers (0-2), the NBA G League affiliate of the Houston Rockets, fell 106-103 to the Santa Cruz Warriors (2-0) on Saturday night at Bert Ogden Arena.

Houston Rockets Two-Way Jeenathan Williams Jr. opened the game by hitting seven straight points for the Vipers. At 7:37 the game became tied (12-12), but the Vipers went on a 14-0 stint which pulled the team away 26-12. RGV remained on top and sent the game into the second quarter with a score of 35-32. 

The Vipers continued to dominate the second quarter, but before closing the quarter Santa Cruz hit a 10-0 run which sent the game into the half 60-52. 

In the second half of the game the home team kept the advantage until the start of the fourth quarter when Santa Cruz hit a hot streak and opened the quarter with an 11-0 run to set the game at 87-85 with 10:03 to go. Santa Cruz then turned things around and took over the game with 8:20 on the clock and a score of 90-89. At 6:04 RGV took back the lead, but with 2:43 to go the Warriors turned the tables and set the score at 100-99. With 47 seconds to go, RGV struck and tied the game at 103-103, but the Warriors managed to pull away with a 106-103 victory. 

Houston Rockets Two-Way N’Faly Dante obtained a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Houston Rockets Two-Way Jack McVeigh scored 20 points followed by Markquis Nowell with 17 points. 

Javan Jackson paved the way for the Warriors with 27 points. Kevin Knox II had 25 points. Seth Maxwell posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. 

On Wednesday, Jan 1. the Vipers will travel to Utah to take on the Salt Lake City Stars at Maverik Center with tip-off slated for 4:00 p.m. CST. Fans can tune into the game on ESPN+. For more information visit www.rgvipers.com. 

About the RGV Vipers and NBA G League

The four-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, 2013, 2019 and 2022. In 2013, the Vipers were also named the NBA G League Development Champions, which recognized the team that best embodies the NBA G League’s goals of developing NBA-caliber basketball talent via call-ups and assignments. The NBA’s official minor league, the NBA G League prepares players, coaches, officials, training and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 31 teams, 29 with direct affiliations to NBA franchises for 2023-24, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. 55 percent of all players on end-of-season 2022-23 NBA rosters boasted NBA G League experience. 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 Cares programs.--