2023 FIBA World Cup

World Cup Standouts, Day 13: Jonas Valanciunas, Luka Doncic shine

Take a look at the players who stood out the most during FIBA World Cup play on Sept. 7.

From NBA.com News Services

Luka Doncic and Slovenia could not overtake Jonas Valanciunas (right) and Lithuania in FIBA play on Thursday.

Thursday’s FIBA World Cup games were in the Classification 5-8 group as the winners and losers of those matchups would get a better idea of their final seeding at the World Cup. The day began with Latvia taking on Italy for a chance at finishing fifth overall on Saturday, while Lithuania took on Slovenia with the sixth-place finish on the line. When the games were finished, Latvia and Lithuania claimed the right to move on to Saturday’s consolation games as Day 13 of the FIBA World Cup reached its end.

Here’s a look at who stood out during the quarterfinal action of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

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Jonas Valanciunas, Lithuania

As one of the better NBA centers participating in the World Cup, Valanciunas often had an advantage in the paint in FIBA play. He has been solid throughout the World Cup, averaging 13.1 points and 8.3 rebounds entering Thursday’s showdown with Slovenia. Valanciunas proved he can be a force in a 100-84 romp against Slovenia, finishing with 24 points, 12 rebounds, a steal and a block in what was his best FIBA performance to date. The New Orleans Pelicans big man was also more than efficient at the line with an eight-for-eight showing there, too. Lithuania moves on to face Latvia with fifth-place at the World Cup on the line on Saturday.

Luka Doncic, Slovenia

Another World Cup game, another dazzling performance for Doncic. The Dallas Mavericks’ star logged his third straight game with at least 20 points as he finished with 29 points, six rebounds, two assists and three steals in a 100-84 loss to Lithuania. While Slovenia has struggled to find offensive consistency aside from Doncic, he will have one last opportunity to shine as Slovenia takes on Italy for seventh place on Saturday.

Andrejs Grazulis, Latvia

With Oklahoma City Thunder forward Davis Bertans playing limited minutes in Thursday’s game vs. Italy, the opportunity was ripe for someone to step up for Latvia. Grazulis didn’t hesitate to seize the moment, using his soft touch around the basket to get Latvia on track. He capped off his night with a go-ahead 3-pointer with 24 seconds to play that sealed an 87-82 win for Latvia. Overall, Grazulis had 28 points (on a sizzling 12-for-13 shooting), six rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block as Latvia advances to the fifth-place game on Saturday.

Nicolo Melli, Italy

Utah Jazz forward Simone Fontecchio, the standout player for Italy throughout the World Cup, missed Thursday’s game against Latvia. While former NBA player Luigi Datome led Italy with 20 points in its 87-82 loss, Melli was perhaps its best overall player. He finished with 11 points on 5-for-8 shooting along with nine rebounds and four assists. Italy will now face Slovenia for seventh place on Saturday.

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