Vipers Split Games Against Hustle Ahead of Playoffs

Rio Grande Valley Vipers split two games with Memphis Hustle as they prepare for postseason

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:38am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a basketball game between two teams, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives conveying the intensity of the matchup.The Vipers and Hustle's heated playoff push is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the action on the court.Memphis Today

The Rio Grande Valley Vipers (23-13) split two games this past week against the Memphis Hustle (11-25) as they finished their regular season schedule ahead of the G-League Playoffs. The Vipers won the first game 121-107 behind strong performances from Daishen Nix and John Knight III, but lost the second game 120-118 despite 33 points from Nix and 30 from Tristen Newton. The Vipers will now host the Austin Spurs (23-13) in the Western Conference Quarterfinals, their 10th straight playoff appearance.

Why it matters

The Vipers' split with the Hustle sets up an intriguing first-round playoff matchup with the Austin Spurs, as the Vipers look to continue their impressive postseason streak. The team's ability to win close games and get contributions from multiple players will be crucial in the playoffs.

The details

In the first game, the Vipers were led by Daishen Nix's 33 points and a double-double from John Knight III. Memphis' Orlando Robinson had a career-high 49 points in the loss. In the rematch, the Hustle prevailed 120-118 behind 32 points from Charlie Brown Jr. and a double-double from Robinson. For the Vipers, Nix again led the way with 33 points, while Tristen Newton added 30.

  • The regular season games were played on March 30 and April 1, 2026.
  • The G-League Playoffs will begin this week.

The players

Daishen Nix

A guard for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers who led the team in scoring in both games against the Hustle.

John Knight III

A forward for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers who recorded a double-double in the first game against the Hustle.

Orlando Robinson

A center for the Memphis Hustle who had a career-high 49 points in the first game against the Vipers.

Charlie Brown Jr.

A guard for the Memphis Hustle who scored 32 points in the second game against the Vipers.

Tristen Newton

A guard for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers who scored 30 points in the second game against the Hustle.

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What’s next

The Vipers will host the Austin Spurs in the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the G-League Playoffs this week.

The takeaway

The Vipers' split with the Hustle demonstrates their ability to win close games and get contributions from multiple players, which will be crucial as they look to extend their impressive playoff streak against the Austin Spurs in the first round.