Willy Hernangomez has high praises of Valanciunas: 'One of the best centers in NBA' / News - Basketnews.com

"I'm super happy to be around JV. I just love him," Willy Hernangomez said of Jonas Valanciunas.

Credit: USA TODAY Sports-Scanpix, Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images Credit USA TODAY Sports-Scanpix, Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

New Orleans Pelicans center Willy Hernangomez praised Jonas Valanciunas and his recent performances following a 126-117 home win Thursday night over the San Antonio Spurs.

New Orleans Pelicans / Schedule

Phoenix Suns New Orleans Pelicans118-114 New Orleans Pelicans Milwaukee Bucks119-128 New Orleans Pelicans San Antonio Spurs126-117 Oklahoma City Thunder New Orleans PelicansSat01:00 New Orleans Pelicans Indiana PacersTue01:00

Valanciunas had 16 points and 10 rebounds, Willy Hernangomez 13 for the Pelicans, who ended a season-worst four-game losing streak.

"I'm super happy for JV. He's my best friend on the team, I would say. Great person," Hernangomez said of the Lithuanian big man. "He's helping me on and off the court. Helping me to get better as well. He's one of the best centers in the league.

And then, he's got a big heart. He wants everybody to be good around him. So, I'm super proud of JV's work last game. Today, he dominated again. I'm super happy to be around JV. I just love him," the European gold medalist added.

Valanciunas contributed 37 points (7/10 3PT), 18 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal over 37 minutes during Monday's 128-119 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. It was his best game of the season.

Jonas Valanciunas, one of the best two-way big men in the league, averages 13.7 points and 9.3 rebounds over 30 games this season.

Jonas Valanciunas vs. Bucks:

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