Rockets Guard Josh Christopher Showcases Growth Since G-League Stint

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets made a surprising move earlier in the season by assigning Josh Christopher to the G League. The decision came a month after coach Stephen Silas vowed that Christopher would not be assigned to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers despite his lack of playing time.

Silas credited building Christopher's confidence as the primary aspect of his G League assignment. But the main objective for the second-year guard was to get himself back into a rhythm.

The results led to Christopher helping the Rockets pull off one of their best victories of the season in a 124-103 win over the Denver Nuggets Tuesday night.

Christopher played 18 minutes and added 13 points, three rebounds and three steals. He was a part of the five-man lineup that held the Nuggets to seven points at the start of the fourth quarter.

According to Silas, Kevin Porter Jr. denied subbing back into the game until halfway through the fourth period due to Christopher's great play.

“I love Josh," Silas said. "We have had a lot of talks about his playing time and what can get him on the court and how he can stay on the court longer. There was a time when he wasn’t in the rotation. We sent him to the G League. He came back and got into the rotation, and his minutes have been kind of up and down."

Silas said he and Christopher held several discussions and agreed a short stint in the G League would be best for both parties. And with the season drawing near an end, Christopher has played a major role in helping the Rockets win seven games since March 4.

He averaged 25.5 points on 56.0 percent shooting from the field in five games with the Vipers.