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Luka Dončičius against Jonas Valančiūnas and Domantas Sabonis. The fight on Nemunas Island unfolded in two quarters.
The 22-year-old Slovenian was incredible, breaking the hosts ‘defense with every attack, but before the long break, two Lithuanian towers also responded to L. Dončičius’ attacks with powerful play.
Everything changed after a long hiatus, when the Slovenian megastar continued his profit and JV and Sabu started to get stuck, whether the ball didn’t reach them or they didn’t successfully complete the attacks.
L. Dončičius finished the game with an impressive triple-double to his account: 31 points, 11 rebounds, 13 assists and 42 efficiency points.
The final result of the 85:96 match announced the victory of Slovenia, which entered the Olympics for the first time in the country’s history.
“It pains me to talk after a game like this,” said 34-year-old captain Mantas Kalnietis. – Emotions still buzz. But we have to admit that Slovenia played better and smarter. She deserved to win. As you can see, we lost almost 100 points. The biggest problem was defense. It hurts so much what I can say more. We are frustrated, sad and dissatisfied, but we will not go to kill. But no matter how bad it is now, the Lithuanian men’s basketball team is like a family, so we all lose together, from the players, the coaches to the bus driver. Thanks to the fans for their support, they supported us as much as they could, but the reality is that Slovenia deserves the victory today. “
Mantas Kalnietis scored 14 points in tonight’s game, bounced 4 balls, made 4 assists and scored 15 utility points.
He has played in the last two Olympics in London and Rio, but for the third time in a row, the captain of the national team will not be in Tokyo.
“I have never had an experience like this. Difficult to say. This is life, this is sport. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Unfortunately, today we have lost”, answered M. Kalnietis to the question of the Spanish journalist about what it means this lack of access to Tokyo for Lithuanians.
The player, who recently signed a two-year contract with Kaunas “Žalgiris”, will celebrate his 35th birthday next fall, but has yet to think about the end of his national team career.
“No, there are no thoughts. I am happy to be able to help the team in some way. No matter how sad things turned out, I’m not making decisions now. We lose as a team. Today we are sad, but we are also to blame. Coaches, players, doctors. The team is a great family, both celebrate the victories together and are sad to have lost together ”, said M. Kalnietis.
VIDEO: “Hot feet”: Lithuania – Slovenia – hot comments from the players and the withdrawal of D. Maskoliūnas
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