Rokas Jokubaitis: fearless game-changer of the Copa del Rey final / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: ZUMAPRESS – Scanpix Credit ZUMAPRESS – Scanpix

FC Barcelona learned to suffer in the Spanish Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid. The Blaugranas needed 34 minutes to take their first lead.

Rokas Jokubaitis

Team:FC BarcelonaPosition:PGAge:21Height:192 cmWeight:88 kgBirth place:Mažeikiai, LithuaniaProfileNewsStatistics

They reached it with Nick Calathes' left-hand lay-up (46-48). Adam Hanga hit a three-pointer in the next possession, putting the Blancos ahead once again (49-48).

We were in the last quarter of a nail-biting game, where the defense won over the offense. Tremendous battle.

With less than five minutes remaining, it was time for the decisive players. Those who deal with pressure. Those who were born to shine. Those like Rokas Jokubaitis.

The Lithuanian guard will always be remembered as a key piece for Barcelona's success at Granada. He scored nine points in a row. He was a game-changer.

In his first appearance at the Spanish Copa del Rey, Jokubaitis showed no mercy.

Firstly, he waited for his moment in the corner. Calathes found him, and Rokas did not hesitate. Bang.

As Messi used to do in Camp Nou, Jokubaitis seems unstoppable when he attacks the rim with the left hand. He did it twice, consecutively, adding and one plays in both situations.

9 points in a row. From 48-49 to 57-53. The scenario did not scare him.

Laso could not believe how his players allowed him to finish like this.

"There were some mistakes during the game, like giving Jokubaitis his left. He punished us in an important moment, "admitted the Spanish coach.

Barcelona's crowd began to yell his name, while neutral supporters recognized his talent and determination.

Mirotic and Martinez praises him

Jokubaitis is completely adapted in Barcelona. Helped by the Lithuanian staff, he has gained the confidence of his teammates.

"I am not surprised at all with him," said Nikola Mirotic. "He gave us energy and important points. He is one of the best young players in Europe. We are honored to have them here. He is passionate. I want to play as he does," added.

Sergi Martinez is one of his closest players on FC Barcelona's team. BasketNews asked the Spanish forward about his friend Rokas.

"I am really happy for him because he works a lot every day. He has a great character. He is fearless. I spend a lot of time with him, and I can say he is one of the best people I have ever met," confessed Martinez.

Jokubaitis is showing a great capacity to produce in the last minutes. He did against CSKA or Anadolu Efes recently. He is growing up. There are no limits for him. He is just 21 years old.

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