While the Houston Rockets prepare for what they hope is a championship run after coming up just short in 2018, their G League affiliate won its third title in their history on Friday, and their first since 2013.
The Rio Grande Valley Vipers knocked off the Long Island Nets 129-112 in Game 3 to win the series 2-1. Isaiah Hartenstein, the 43rd overall pick by the Rockets in the 2017 NBA draft, led the Vipers with 30 points and 17 rebounds and was named G League Finals MVP.
Hartenstein played 28 games with Houston this season averaging 1.9 points and 1.7 rebounds in only 7.9 minutes of playing time. His time in the G League was obviously well spent leading the way for Rio Grande.
Michael Frazier helped Hartenstein in the scoring department with 23 points, nine rebounds, and six assists and Dakari Tucker added 20 points and five rebounds.
The Rockets hope that they can get some magic from their G League champions as they begin their playoff run on Sunday taking on the Utah Jazz in Game 1 from Toyota Center at 8:30 p.m. CST.
