By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Beating the Sacramento Kings 105-98 in the NBA Play-In, the New Orleans Pelicans qualified for the Playoffs also thanks to a huge performance coming from Jonas Valanciunas.
Ending with a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds, the Lithuanian center’s team won against Domantas Sabonis and got praised in the aftermath. “I’ve said it before: [Jonas Valanciunas] is one of my favorite teammates ever, it brings it hard every single night”, Larry Nance Jr. commented.
Emphasizing his tireless energy since the start of the season, the former Los Angeles Lakers player went on praising his teammate. “He played 85 games this season including the Play-In, played them all. That’s awesome. It’s a career starter”, he added.
“Twelve years of deep playoff runs, to come to this team and be willing to give some of his minutes for the better of the team just speaks to his character as a person and as a professional. He’s been really one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever had the pleasure to play with”, Larry Nance Jr. finally said.
Ahead of the NBA Playoffs First Round against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the experienced 31-year-old center has been averaging 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. This is his third season with the New Orleans Pelicans after seven years in Toronto (2012-19) and two in Memphis (2019-21).
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images