After the center dominated on the court, he revealed that he would be leaving the team
James Karnik lifted Neptunas in his farewell game to overwhelm Manresa
Informes de partidos
3 Min lectura
Regular Season
Round 6 of 18
Regular Season
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Neptunas KlaipedaNEP
10087
BAXI ManresaMAN
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Overview
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With 6 minutes and 10 seconds left in the game, Arnas Velicka and James Karnik headed to the bench to be substituted. They would not play together again for the rest of the game - and there was no need. Both had done their job to perfection, helping Neptunas Klaipeda build a 20-point lead at that moment, 92-72, effectively securing their third win of the season, this time against BAXI Manresa.
Both players set new personal highs on a magical night for their team, Neptunas, which convincingly defeated BAXI Manresa 100-87. The Lithuanian side never trailed in the game, enjoying leads of over 20 points at different moments in the second half.
Velicka set a personal best in assists (13), while Karnik set new highs in points (25), rebounds (13), and PIR (37). He accomplished this in just 23:46 of playing time. The Czech center delivered his best performance to date, fittingly in what - as he revealed at the end - was his last game wearing the Neptunas jersey.
“Yeah, I fully think it was [our best game of the season so far],” Karnik acknowledged. “I'm going to take a moment to say something real quick. I hope you guys don't mind my chat. I got some things to say... because unfortunately, this is actually my last game with Neptunas, I got some personal things that I'm gonna have to head home for.
“First, I want to say thank you to the GM Martynas [Mazeika]. He is an amazing guy. He's worked with me so well. I also want to thank the coaches. They made such a great, welcoming atmosphere. Honestly it makes it such a loving experience, and it's a great, great thing."
After posting a perfect shooting game in the previous road win against Cedevita, Karnik seemed to have clicked with the team, and especially with his teammate Arnas Velicka, whose passing game benefited Karnik in a very special way.
“I want to thank my teammates. They made my job so easy”, Karnik continued. “As Arnas Velicka, man. He is going to make it to the NBA. I love his game. He's such a good player.”
Karnik and Velicka both posted a double-double in the same game, something you do not see often in European basketball. Karnik finished with 25 points and 13 boards, while Velicka tallied 12 points and 14 dimes. Their performance was a key factor in carrying Neptunas to a peaceful, winning night.
Neptunas head coach Gediminas Petrauskas praised all his players, avoiding any individual recognition.
“It's not about individual performances,” he said. “But when you win, each player contributes to the team, and we're happy for each of the players that step on the court.”
Petrauskas also wanted to be cautious when talking about the future, despite the good feelings his team is showing now after three consecutive victories: “Now, we need to concentrate on the next one and then on the next one and on the next one.”
And sadly for Neptunas, those next ones will be without James Karnik.
