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Clippers fall short despite Adaway’s career-high

OCEANSIDE, Calif. – The Rio Grande Valley Vipers defeated the San Diego Clippers, 121-108 on Tuesday night at Frontwave Arena.

The Clippers entered the game as the 12th seed in the Western Conference and would have to win the rest of their remaining games to have a chance to make the playoffs. The Vipers entered the game as the seventh seed in the Western Conference, one game behind a playoff spot.

The Vipers started the game well, increasing their lead to 19 midway through the second quarter but the home side successfully attacked the rim late in the second quarter, decreasing the deficit to 12 by halftime.

San Diego began the second half on a 12-3 run, sparked by two threes from Trentyn Flowers. They continued their three-point shooting hot streak throughout the quarter, which allowed them to cut the deficit to two by the end of the third. Midway through the fourth, the Clippers tied the game, quickly running their lead back up to double digits, winning the game.

ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 20: N’Faly Dante #3 of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers looks on during the game against the Indiana Mad Ants during the 2024-2025 G League Winter Showcase on December 20, 2024 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Swinger /NBAE via Getty Images)

Center N’Faly Dante led the Vipers, scoring 26 points and nine rebounds on 11-of-13 shooting, while David Roddy also had an efficient night, scoring 25 points on 11-of-16 shooting. Guard Markquis Nowell followed with a strong performance off the bench, finishing the game with 13 points and 13 assists.

The Clippers were led by guard Jalen Adaway and wing Trentyn Flowers, scoring 25 points each. Adaway, who came off the bench, had his career-high.

“I think tonight was one of those nights where the ball was really going through the net, ” Adaway said. “It’s a nice feeling.

“There [were] a couple of 50/50 balls we should have probably [come] up with,” Adaway said. “A couple of defensive breakdowns too, you know, they were moving the ball or the ball came off the rim in an awkward way. They came up with it, swung it and got a wide-open look. I think it just came down to a couple [of] possessions where we didn’t get those 50/50 balls.”

The Clippers fell to 12-18 and, despite the loss, have not been eliminated from playoff contention. They must win four straight games to prevent a three-year playoff drought.

The Vipers improved to 16-13. They are half a game behind the sixth-seeded Oklahoma City Blue and are attempting to reach the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season.