Jonas Valanciunas emphasized Denver’s teamwork following the Nuggets’ 136-105 road victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday.
“We moving the ball. We playing for each other, trying to get the teammate open… we really put effort to set screens. We enjoying playing together, and that gives us that spark,” he said.
Valanciunas credited Nikola Jokic’s leadership for setting the tone. “I got to not let down, do a good job… he’s playing tremendous, he’s leading us. My second unit job is to bump it even more, at least not go down,” the Lithuanian center said.
On integrating into the Nuggets’ culture, Valanciunas described a smooth transition. “I’m just enjoying playing, being in the locker room… a lot of games left and lots to improve, but I take one day at a time. Personally, I’m coming in with a smile on my face,” he said, reflecting his positive approach to team dynamics.
The veteran center also spoke on translating Denver’s road success to home games. “Let’s play on the road every game, simple as that… we got tough teams coming in right now. We just got to lock in, do our job, and everything’s going to be okay,” Valanciunas said.
Valanciunas praised the Nuggets’ shared commitment to winning, noting that team unity drives performance. “I’m enjoying winning, whatever it takes to win, doing it together… no matter where you’re at, a win is a win,” he said, reflecting the team-first mentality central to Denver’s 18-6 start.
In the game, Valanciunas scored 15 points off the bench, complementing Jokic’s 36 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. Peyton Watson added 21 points and Cameron Johnson contributed 16, helping the Nuggets shoot 59% overall and 41% from three-point range.
Denver’s 11th consecutive road victory showcased balanced scoring, efficient ball movement, and strong bench production, with Jamal Murray and Tim Hardaway Jr. each scoring 11 points. The Nuggets outrebounded Sacramento 46-38 and limited the Kings to 29% shooting from deep.
Denver will host the Houston Rockets on Monday, while Sacramento (6-19) heads to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday in search of its first win in eight games.
