Denver center reflects on the passionate fan support and cultural connection.
The Denver Nuggets suffered their first home loss of the season Monday night, falling 130-127 to the Chicago Bulls and snapping a seven-game winning streak, but veteran center Jonas Valanciunas still found a bright spot in the defeat as he connected with his Lithuanian roots at Ball Arena.
Speaking with media after the game, Valanciunas acknowledged the approximately 150 Lithuanian fans who made their presence felt, a moment that clearly resonated with the 13-year NBA veteran.
Lithuanian Pride on Display
"I seen some green color. It was good. It was fun," Valanciunas said when asked about the Lithuanian supporters in attendance, referring to the traditional green that represents his home country's basketball culture.
The moment held special significance for Valanciunas, who has been one of Lithuania's most prominent basketball ambassadors throughout his professional career. When discussing why basketball holds such a revered place in Lithuanian society, the 33-year-old center didn't hesitate with his response.
"It's a big history behind it, so it's a second religion for us for Lithuanians," Valanciunas explained, echoing a sentiment he has shared throughout his career about the unmatched passion that basketball generates in the Baltic nation of just over three million people.
The Buzelis Connection
The Monday night matchup carried additional meaning as Valanciunas faced off against Bulls forward Matas Buzelis, a fellow Lithuanian and someone the Denver center has known since Buzelis was a young child.
The 21-year-old Buzelis, who was selected 11th overall by Chicago in the 2024 NBA Draft, has emerged as one of the Bulls' most promising young talents in his second season, and Valanciunas has long been a mentor figure to him.
Buzelis contributed 10 points, five rebounds, and two blocks in 30 minutes during the Bulls' victory, continuing his strong play for a Chicago team that improved to 7-6 on the season after snapping their own five-game losing streak.
Recent Performance and Looking Ahead
Despite Monday's loss dropping the Nuggets to 10-3, Valanciunas has settled into his role as Nikola Jokic's backup effectively since joining Denver via trade from Sacramento in the offseason.
The Lithuanian big man is averaging 8.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while providing valuable rest for the three-time MVP.
However, Valanciunas saw just five minutes of action Monday night after a rough stretch in the second quarter, finishing with a minus-15 rating as coach David Adelman shortened his rotation.
The Nuggets' bench was thoroughly outplayed by Chicago's reserves, who outscored Denver's second unit 66-9 in a disparity that proved decisive.
Road Ahead
The Nuggets will look to bounce back quickly as they begin a two-game road trip, facing the struggling New Orleans Pelicans (2-12) on Wednesday night before traveling to Houston to take on the Rockets (9-3) on Friday.
The back-to-back road games will test Denver's ability to respond after suffering their first home defeat, though both matchups provide opportunities for Valanciunas and the Nuggets to return to their winning ways.