VIPERS DROP GAME ONE OF TWO AGAINST CELTICS

Portland, Maine (Dec. 30, 2022) – The Rio Grande Valley Vipers (1-1), the NBA G League affiliate of the Houston Rockets, fell 118-98 to the Maine Celtics (2-0) on Friday night at Portland Expo Building. 

The first quarter began in a tight race between the Celtics and Vipers. After both teams exchanged the lead in the first couple of minutes, with 7:21 to go, the game became tied 12-12. With 6:30 to go the Vipers had a 15-12 advantage, but the Celtics responded by taking back a 21-20 lead with four minutes to go. Maine continued to extend its lead and sent the game into the second quarter with a score of 29-22.

Maine dominated the remaining three quarters which allowed the home team to extend its lead even further. At the end of the game the Celtics walked away with a 118-98 victory over RGV. 

Luka Samanic led all scorers with a double-double 28 points and 18 rebounds. Maria Shayok put up 14 points. Boston Celtics Two-Way player Mfiondu Kabengele also had a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Trey Davis and Denzel Valentine both obtained 12 points each. Scottie Lindsey finished with 10 points. 

RGV was led by Houston Rockets Two-Way player Darius Days with a double-double 21 points and 12 rebounds. Houston Rockets Two-Way player Trevor Hudgins followed with 19 points. Jalen Lecque posted 17 points and Ray Spalding put up 11 points.

Both teams will face off in a rematch on Saturday, Dec. 31 at 2:00 p.m. CT at Portland Expo Building. Fans can stream the game via www.NBAGLeague.com.