France has won the EuroBasket title for the first time in its history, defeating Lithuania 80-66 today.
Spurs star Tony Parker led his country to the EuroBasket championship and won tournament MVP for France after 12 points and 3 assists in the game.
Blazers forward Nicolas Batum led France in scoring with 17 points and added 6 boards while Spurs forward Boris Diaw added 15 for the winners.
Former Raptors forward Linas Kleiza led Lithuania with 20 points, Mantas Kalnietis added 19 points in a losing cause.
Parker is now just nine points away from passing Greece’s Nikos Galis as the all-time EuroBasket scoring leader, a goal he will surely accomplish at the next tournament.
The title is significant for France, who fell to Spain several times in recent years. France took down their Spanish rivals in an overtime victory on Friday. The French club were in the tournament for a record 36th year.
NBA veterans Manu Ginobili and Pau Gasol sent out their congratulations via Twitter.
Congrats @TonyParker, @theborisdiaw & @NandoDeColo on the European GOLD! Now quick rest and ready for training camp! 😉
— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) September 22, 2013
Felicidades a Francia por ganar su primer Europeo. Congrats to France for winning their 1st European Championship.
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) September 22, 2013
France features six NBA players on its roster. Led by Parker, the team went into the crowd after the game to celebrate with fans.
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Brett Poirier is a contributor to Sheridan Hoops. Follow @BrettNBA
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