Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle on Domantas Sabonis: 'He's a beast' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AFP - Scanpix Credit AFP - Scanpix

Nine days ago,Domantas Saboniswas forced to miss games for the first time this season after abruptly landing onRussell Westbrook's ankle. Nevertheless, the Lithuanian big man came back with a vengeance, showing that his ankle is more than alright.

Free throws this season

77%16,3Points made:16,3Accuracy:76,8%Place in standings:16Record max:28Record min:6Most made FTs:Domantas SabonisTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

After missing four matches, Sabonis immediately notched a triple-double. He scored 24 points (9/14 2PT, 0/2 3PT, 6/9 FT), grabbed 18 rebounds, dished out 10 assists, made 2 steals, 5 turnovers, and committed 3 personal fouls, while Sabonis-ledIndiana Pacerspushed throughOklahoma City Thunderin an OT battle (113-110).

Domantas surpassed his legendary father Arvydas (5629 pts.) in total points scored in the NBA and now has 5648 points.

The son needed fewer matches to reach the mark than his father - Domantas did it in 398 games, while Arvydas made it in 470. The Pacers big man is now third in total points scored amongst Lithuanian NBA players, with onlyJonas Valanciunas(8796) and Zydrunas Ilgauskas (10976) currently surpassing him.

Asked about his ankle after the game, Sabonis was certain that wins eliminate all the pain that may linger in the body.

"It simply came to our notice then. At first, I didn’t feel my lungs, I lacked air because during the trauma I might not have run as much as I needed to," Domantas said after the match.

"As far as the match is concerned, I am proud of my team," Sabonis continued. "We had a small deficit several times, but we didn’t stop fighting, we came back, the coach drew good combinations, we chose two-point tactics instead of three-pointers, and the teammates were extremely cold-blooded."

Trailing by 4 points (96-100) with under 2 minutes left in the 4th quarter, Sabonis started to show his leadership. He first made an assist toJustin Holidaywho pulled the team within two (98-100), and then made the game-tying two-pointer (100-100) to send teams to overtime.

Indiana Pacers / Schedule

New Orleans Pelicans Indiana Pacers117-113 Indiana Pacers Charlotte Hornets126-158 Oklahoma City Thunder Indiana Pacers110-113 Dallas Mavericks Indiana PacersSun00:00 Indiana Pacers Los Angeles ClippersTue00:00 Indiana Pacers Orlando MagicThu00:00 Indiana Pacers Chicago Bulls02-0500:00

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle was more than happy to have his superstar back, describing the return of the player in a blunt but descriptive manner: "Domantas is a beast."

"His game reminded me of a goal at any cost," Carlisle continued after the match. "He jumped into the crowd with a white shirt and came back from there with a ball. He is a warrior in this league who is finding a way to influence victory. ”

Sabonis's teammate Justin Holiday summed it up best in the post-game press conference: "It's great being Domantas' teammate."

Even though the Pacers season is probably not the one they have wished for, Sabonis is putting up solid numbers. The Lithuanian big man is averaging 19.1 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, and has a real chance of making it to the NBA All-Star game.

It would be a third time for Domantas. He would then surpass Zydrunas Ilgauskas who played in the All-Star game twice (2003 and 2005).

Sabonis's influence and leadership were noticed by the legendary Shaquille O'Neal as well. He was the only one out of the Inside the NBA crew who picked Domantas Sabonis in his NBA All-Star East reserve team.

"His team is terrible but he still puts up big numbers. We have to pay attention to him," Shaq concluded.

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