VIPERS SUFFER HEARTBREAKING LOSS TO STOCKTON KINGS

STOCKTON, Calif. (March 1, 2024) – The Rio Grande Valley Vipers (13-8), the NBA G League affiliate of the Houston Rockets, suffered a 112-111 overtime loss against the Stockton Kings (15-8) on Friday night at Adventist Health Arena. 

Overtime began with a 6-1 run by the Vipers which set the score at 111-106. RGV was one point away from reaching the target score, but Stockton came from behind and responded by going on a 5-0 run which tied the game at 111-111. Skal Labissiere then made a free throw and lifted the Kings to a 112-111 victory. 

It all started with a fierce contest between the Vipers and Stockton in the first half. There were 13 lead changes with the biggest lead happening until the last minutes of the half. With 2:22 left in the second quarter RGV took advantage and went on a 12-2 run which resulted in a score of 60-51 in favor of the Vipers. 

RGV had a 16-point lead (71-55) in the third with nine minutes on the clock, but Stockton put a stop to the Vipers as the home team went on a 26-7 run and tied the contest at 78-78 with 1:20 left. The Kings then took its first lead of the quarter and closed the quarter with an 81-80 advantage. 

In the fourth quarter Stockton had a four-point lead, but the Vipers then tied the game at 86-86. The lead changes continued for the next seven minutes, but at 2:35 the Vipers pulled away and remained on top. However, when the clock struck 10.5 seconds Stockton tied the game at 105-105 and closed the game with a tie between both teams. 

Houston Rockets Two-Way players Nate Hinton and Jermaine Samuels Jr. led the Vipers with 25 and 23 points, respectively. Ray Spalding contributed 19 points followed by Jarrett Culver with 15 points. 

Sacramento Kings assignee Colby Jones led all scorers with 31 points. Sacramento Kings Two-Way Jordan Ford finished with 15 points. Sacramento Kings Two-Way Jalen Slawson put up a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Obtaining another double-double was Labissiere with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Also, with 11 points each were Deonte Burton and Stanley Johnson. 

The Vipers return to the Bert Ogden Arena on Wednesday, March 6 to take on the Windy City Bulls at 7:30 p.m. CST. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a LSNB collector’s jersey courtesy of Lone Star National Bank. To purchase tickets and for more information visit www.rgvipers.com.