VIPERS DROP HOME OPENER AGAINST SPURS 

EDINBURG, Texas (Nov. 6, 2026) – The Rio Grande Valley Vipers (0-1), the NBA G League affiliate of the Houston Rockets, dropped its home opener 120-116 against the Austin Spurs (1-0) on Friday night at Bert Ogden Arena. 

Austin stepped into the game determined to dominate, which is exactly what the team did in the first half after building a 20-point lead. RGV then managed to cut its deficit to 72-88 going into halftime. R.J. Davis was leading all scorers with 15 points at the half. 

RGV made a push in the third quarter with the help of Houston Rockets assignee, Bruce Thornton who scored 13 points. The Vipers then cut the Spurs lead to eight points, making the score 94-86. RGV attempted to continue its comeback in the fourth quarter but ultimately fell short, losing to the Spurs 120-116.

Thornton led all scorers with 31 points. Tyler Smith scored 20 points for the Vipers followed by Houston Rockets Two-Way player Quadir Copeland with 18 points. 

Ochai Agbaji paved the way for the Spurs with a double-double consisting of 29 points and 10 rebounds. San Antonio Spurs Two-Way player Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Jayden Nunn finished the game with 19 points each. 

The Vipers will travel to Oklahoma City to take on the Blue on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. CST at Paycom Center. Fans can view the game on ESPN+. For more information visit www.rgvipers.com.