Chris Jones returns from absence, helps guide Valencia to an easy win / News - Basketnews.com

Chris Jones scored 9 points and dished out 8 assists for 20 PIR against Girona Basquet.

Credit: Valencia Basket/Miguel Angel Polo Credit Valencia Basket/Miguel Angel Polo

Chris Jones returned from being sidelined for the last week due to an injury. Led by the duo of Jones and Jasiel Rivero, Valencia Basket easily defeated Girona Basquet 104-69 (22-14, 23-22, 34-9, 25-24) in the Spanish Liga Endesa (ACB).

Player of the Game EFF 28 Jasiel Rivero Points 20 Accuracy 8-9 Rebounds 6 Assists 0

Jones was diagnosed with arthritis in his right knee and was announced to miss "the next games". Valencia lost both their games without the guard - first, against Real Madrid in the ACB and then against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague.

Jones began the match against Girona in the starting five and played for almost 20 minutes. He scored 9 points, grabbed 2 rebounds, dished out 8 assists, and drew 3 fouls for 20 PIR.

Besides Jones, Jasiel Rivero played his most successful game after coming back from injury as well. Even though Rivero has been playing for the past month, his effort against Girona was the most efficient yet. The Cuban big man scored 20 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, recorded 4 blocks, and drew 3 fouls for 28 PIR.

Next week, Valencia welcome Panathinaikos Athens and travel to Germany to face off against FC Bayern Munich in the EuroLeague's double week.

Full game highlights:

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