Dorsey's strong effort consistent for Vipers

Joey Dorsey’s 18-point and 18-rebound performance against Albuquerque last Saturday was more about effort than statistics, Rio Grande Valley Vipers coach Chris Finch said. And Finch saw plenty of that from Dorsey, the Vipers’ Houston Rocket assignee.

“Performance-wise, it was by far his best,” Finch said. “For him, it’s about being able to do that all the time. And it’s less about the numbers and more about the energy level and consistency.”

Based on his performances, there are indications that he’s headed that way. Dorsey, a 6-9 forward, leads the NBA D-League with 13.4 rebounds per game and 21.4 rebounds per 48 minutes. He also has four double-doubles and a 13.7 point-average.

Beginning tonight, Dorsey can put that consistency to the test as the Vipers play three games in four nights. The Vipers play back-to-back road contests at Tulsa tonight and Saturday and return home to face Reno on Monday at Hidalgo’s Dodge Arena. The Vipers have been on a roll, winning six-straight since dropping their season-opener.

 “Saturday really improved my confidence a lot,” Dorsey said. “I’ve been playing my hardest and working hard in practice.”

Dorsey has been working on his conditioning as well after missing most of last season with plantar faciitis. Dorsey said his conditioning has improved since the beginning of training camp when he struggled getting through practices. Dorsey said he had been going on daily three-mile runs beginning at 5 a.m. to help speed up the process. He has recently stopped because his injury had been flaring up.

Finch has never questioned Dorsey’s work ethic.

“I’ve never had an issue with it,” Finch said.

Meanwhile, the Vipers have had six days off between games, but it’s hardly been a time for rest. Finch has held some fairly competitive practices. One emphasis has been defense. The Vipers allowed 112 and 110 points in straight home games against Albuquerque last week.

Finch wasn’t concerned about tiring out his team before the upcoming stretch of games.

“That’s just an excuse for playing poorly,” Finch said.

NOTES: Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler will handout high school football awards on behalf of Valley Freedom Newspapers during halftime of the Vipers game against Reno on Monday. … The Vipers have topped the D-League.com’s power rankings for the first time in franchise history.

David Hinojosa covers the Rio Grande Valley Vipers for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 683-4442.