On a lively Saturday evening in Kaunas, Lithuania’s national basketball team delivered a statement performance, dispatching Georgia 77-54 in their third straight pre-EuroBasket 2025 friendly. With 6,703 fans filling the arena, the Lithuanians, led by the return of captain Jonas Valanciunas, showcased a brand of basketball that’s equal parts grit and flair. This victory not only extended Lithuania’s unbeaten streak in summer friendlies but also hinted at the team’s growing cohesion as the EuroBasket tournament looms on the horizon.
From the opening tip, coach Rimas Kurtinaitis’ squad made their intentions clear. They stormed out of the gates with nine unanswered points, immediately putting Georgia on the back foot. The absence of Tadas Sedekerskis for Lithuania and Tornike Shengelia for Georgia was notable, but both teams looked determined to set the tone for their summer campaigns. For Lithuania, the night marked the much-anticipated summer debut of Jonas Valanciunas, who had missed the previous two friendlies but wasted no time making an impact.
Valanciunas entered midway through the first quarter and quickly asserted his presence in the paint. In just 14 minutes, he tallied 11 points on an efficient 5-of-7 shooting, grabbed six rebounds, and even swatted away a Georgian shot. According to official stats, "Jonas Valanciunas led Lithuania with 11 points and 6 rebounds," a line that underscored his influence on both ends of the floor. His return seemed to galvanize his teammates, who responded with an energetic and balanced team effort.
The first half saw Lithuania’s defense tighten the screws, holding Georgia to just 29 points by halftime. Rokas Jokubaitis, who contributed across the board with nine points, six assists, and six rebounds, orchestrated the offense with poise. Eimantas Bendzius chipped in eight points, while Azuolas Tubelis added ten points and five rebounds, providing valuable depth in the frontcourt. Lithuania’s lead ballooned to double digits by the break, with the scoreboard reading 40-29.
Georgia, coached by Aleksandar Dzikic, refused to go quietly. Early in the second quarter, a three-pointer from Sandro Mamukelashvili narrowed the deficit to just two points (21-19), sparking hope for a comeback. Mamukelashvili would go on to lead all scorers with 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting, while teammates Beka Burjanadze and Goga Bitadze contributed nine and eight points respectively. Still, every Georgian surge was met with a Lithuanian answer. Each time Georgia threatened to close the gap, Lithuania responded with a defensive stand or a timely basket, never allowing their rivals to gain sustained momentum.
By the middle of the third quarter, Lithuania’s advantage had swelled to 18 points. The hosts’ defense was particularly stingy, limiting Georgia to a maximum of only 16 points in any single quarter—a remarkable feat and their best defensive showing of the summer. Coach Kurtinaitis’ game plan was clear: pressure the ball, contest every shot, and crash the boards. The result? Georgia managed just 54 points, a testament to Lithuania’s collective commitment on defense.
As the final period unfolded, Georgia mounted one last charge, trimming the Lithuanian lead to six points at one stage. But the home side refused to buckle. A rally led by Jokubaitis and Tubelis restored order, pushing the margin back to a comfortable 62-47 with five minutes left. The crowd in Kaunas erupted, sensing that their team was not only holding firm but also sending a message to future EuroBasket opponents.
For Lithuania, this third consecutive summer win followed earlier triumphs over Estonia (89-68) and Turkey (91-70), further solidifying their status as a team to watch. The blend of veteran leadership from Valanciunas and emerging talent like Jokubaitis and Tubelis has given the squad a new dimension. The chemistry is palpable, and the confidence is growing with each outing. As the summer progresses, the team’s depth and defensive prowess could prove decisive in Group B, where they’ll face the likes of hosts Finland, Great Britain, Montenegro, Germany, and Sweden.
Georgia, meanwhile, will regroup and look to sharpen their attack ahead of the EuroBasket tournament. Placed in Group C alongside Cyprus, Bosnia, Italy, Greece, and Spain, the Georgians know that the road ahead is challenging. The absence of Tornike Shengelia in this friendly was keenly felt, but the performances of Mamukelashvili and Burjanadze offer hope that the team can find new leaders in his stead. Coach Dzikic will be eager to build on the positives—especially the stretches where Georgia managed to disrupt Lithuania’s rhythm—and address the defensive lapses that allowed the hosts to pull away.
Looking ahead, the EuroLeague season is set to begin on September 30, 2025, meaning that clubs and national teams alike are using these summer months to finalize rosters and test new strategies. For Lithuania, the focus remains on fine-tuning rotations and integrating key players like Valanciunas back into the fold. The absence of club basketball during July and August has shifted attention squarely onto the national teams, with fans and analysts closely monitoring every friendly for signs of form and fitness.
In the post-game analysis, the consensus was clear: Lithuania’s combination of physicality, discipline, and unselfish play makes them a formidable opponent. As one observer put it, "Lithuania allowed only 54 points, their best defensive performance so far this summer." That sort of defensive identity, coupled with versatile scoring options, bodes well for a deep EuroBasket run.
Will Lithuania’s momentum carry them through a tough Group B? Can Georgia regroup and find their groove before the tournament begins? With the EuroBasket stage set and the anticipation building, basketball fans across Europe have plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks. For now, Lithuania’s resounding win in Kaunas stands as a marker of intent—and a reminder that, in this game, defense really does win championships.
