New Orleans Pelicans put on yellow socks to point out unity with Ukraine, carry consciousness

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Pelicans wore yellow socks throughout their recreation Wednesday evening in opposition to the Sacramento Kings in a present of solidarity with Ukraine and to “carry extra consideration” to the large-scale invasion of the nation by Russian navy.

Pelicans middle Jonas Valanciunas, who’s from Lithuania, alongside Russia’s western border, stated a day after the invasion started final week that “battle shouldn’t be the answer.” He spoke out once more on Wednesday.

“As we talked final time, it is a huge mess,” Valanciunas stated. “We’re simply making an attempt to carry extra consideration. The enemy remains to be on the market. Harmless persons are nonetheless dying. The entire world is speaking about sanctions, assist, prayers — however one thing else must be executed as a result of the battle remains to be occurring.

“It has been a tricky seven days now. Each time taking a look at your cellphone and seeing what is going on on on the market — it is surprising.”

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Pelicans coach Willie Inexperienced stated the group got here up with the concept whereas it was in Los Angeles on its most up-to-date highway journey and determined to put on the yellow NBA-issued socks collectively in opposition to Sacramento.

“Simply having mindfulness, it is one among our core values. Simply having consciousness of what is going on on on the planet. The fellows wished to do one thing to point out their unity,” Inexperienced stated. “That is what they selected to do. We simply need to be certain that we preserve people in our prayers and we perceive we’re blessed to have this platform to have the ability to play basketball however, you recognize, there’s some individuals who have it powerful on the market.”

Pelicans forwards Naji Marshall and Brandon Ingram each stated Valanciunas has spoken to the group concerning the invasion previously few days.

“JV wished to do one thing to assist the folks,” Ingram stated. “If he wished to do it, I used to be all in.”

The Pelicans defeated the Kings 125-95 on Wednesday. Valanciunas had 17 factors and 14 rebounds whereas going in opposition to fellow Lithuanian Domantas Sabonis.