Sabonis’ Big Game Leads Lithuania To First EuroBasket Win

At long last, Domantas Sabonis and Lithuania have secured a win during EuroBasket 2022 play.

Sacramento’s star center had his best showing yet during Tuesday’s blowout 87-64 win over Hungary, as the two-time All-Star and fellow NBA big man Jonas Valančiūnas combined to score 40 points in what was essentially a win-or-go-home performance for the duo.

Lithuania’s 1-3 record during Group B play has dug them into a hole when it comes to advancing to the round of 16, but by winning on Tuesday they have placed their fate back into their own hands.

Wednesday morning’s matchup against Bosnia and Herzegovina (5:15 AM PST) will determine the fourth-place finalist for Group B and punch one team’s ticket to the round of 16.

Best EuroBasket showing yet for Domantas Sabonis.

The two-time All-Star looked like his normal self during Lithuania's win over Hungary.

19 PTS
8 REB
4 AST
25 MIN
7/7 FG
1/1 3PTpic.twitter.com/BRLmaEg6Qo

— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) September 6, 2022

Sabonis’s strong play against Hungary had played a massive role in keeping his team alive as the Kings’ franchise center scored 19 points on a perfect seven-of-seven shooting from the field to go along with eight rebounds and four assists over 25 minutes of action.

The 26-year-old put his range on display as well, knocking down his only attempt from beyond the arc during the second period.

If Sabonis, Valančiūnas, and the rest of Lithuania would like their summer to continue, they will have to defeat physical Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkić and a Bosnia team that fell apart late to France on Tuesday.

It all comes down to this: Lithuania vs Bosania and Herzegovina on Wednesday at 5:15 am PST. Win or go home.

Current Group B standings

1. France (3-1)**
2. Germany (3-0)**
3. Bosnia and Herzegovina (2-2)
4. Slovenia (2-1)**
5. Lithuania (1-3)
6. Hungary (0-4)

** team has advanced to the round of 16

Notes:

• The top four teams in each group advance to the round of 16
• Tiebreakers are determined by head-to-head record

Sactown Sports 1140 will be covering Sacramento Kings centers Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania) and Alex Len (Ukraine)’s EuroBasket performances over the next two weeks! Be sure to continue to stay locked in on all of our social media channels and SactownSports.com

Follow @FCartoscelli3

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