By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After posting a 33-point, 14-rebound double-double against NBA reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, Lithuanian big man Domantas Sabonis discussed the current situation in his country.
“All my family is in Lithuania. So, all I can wish is for them to be safe. They are taking the procedures they have to do,” he replied to a postgame press conference question regarding Lithuania introducing a state of emergency, “We just want it to end and be peaceful.”
Lithuanian leaders have strongly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As a response to a potential threat to national security and public order, the Baltic country declared a state of emergency.
Prior to tip-off, players of both the host Kings and visiting Nuggets stood together in solidarity during a moment of silence for Ukraine. Kings center Alex Len is one of the two active Ukrainian players in the NBA. Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk of the Toronto Raptors completes the pair.
“It was a very positive and peaceful thing, two teams coming together. We stand with Alex Len, our brother. We support him,” commented Sabonis, “We want him to know that we are there for him.”
His huge double-double accompanied by five assists, one block, and one steal over 37 minutes were not enough to shift the Kings back on the win column on Thursday. After the third loss in a row, in the first game back from the All-Star break, the Sacramento team will go on a five-game road trip starting versus the Nuggets Saturday evening.
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