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Jan 27, 2024

Lithuania, Australia roll to opening wins in FIBA World Cup play

Basketball fans sometimes wonder why there’s already an “MVP ladder” promoted on NBA.com during the ultra-early stages of each regular season, but FIBA took that a step further this week by posting an

Basketball fans sometimes wonder why there’s already an “MVP ladder” promoted on NBA.com during the ultra-early stages of each regular season, but FIBA took that a step further this week by posting an MVP ladder before competition at the World Cup even began. New Orleans center Jonas Valanciunas ranked No. 12 on FIBA’s list, which was comprised entirely of players who competed in the NBA last season (former Pelicans backup center Willy Hernangomez of Spain was listed at No. 6, while Minnesota guard Anthony Edwards held the top spot).

Valanciunas made an initial case to move up those player ratings Friday, notching a double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds) in Lithuania’s 93-67 rout over Egypt. Valanciunas compiled those numbers in only 17 minutes of action, with his club not needing any of its starters to log more than 24 minutes. Lithuania built a 70-53 advantage through three quarters. Valanciunas is one of five Lithuania roster members with previous NBA experience, joining former New Orleans forward Donatas Motiejunas, Ignas Brazdeikis, Mindaugas Kuzminskas and Deividas Sirvydis).

Lithuania’s next game is Sunday at 7:30 a.m. vs. Mexico (0-1) in Group D. In Friday’s other game within that group, Montenegro defeated Mexico by a 91-71 margin.

In the other Friday game involving a Pelicans player:

Australia 98, Finland 72New Orleans guard Dyson Daniels logged four second-half minutes off the bench for the Boomers, who used a surge after intermission to put away Finland and star forward Lauri Markkanen (team-best 19 points). Australia’s lead was just 45-40 at halftime, but it outscored Finland 53-32 from there to break open the game. Daniels had one rebound and one assist in his limited duty. Other Australian NBA players include Patty Mills (game-best 25 points), Josh Giddey (14 points, nine rebounds, eight assists), Matisse Thybulle, Joe Ingles, Dante Exum, Jack White and Josh Green.