Nuggets stand by Kings in solidarity with Alex Len to denounce Russian attack on Ukraine
Nearly 16,000 people stood together in silence during a solemn moment before the Kings played the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Golden 1 Center.
Fans rose to their feet as both teams gathered at midcourt to lock arms and stand in solidarity with Kings center Alex Len, whose Ukrainian homeland was under heavy attack a day after the Russian military invaded his country.
“Obviously, nobody wants to be at war,” Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox said. “I don’t really have a lot to say about it, but that’s something that effects everybody. It effects the entire world. … We feel for him and we pray for him and his family and his country as well.”
Will Barton scored 31 points and Nikola Jokic nearly posted a triple-double, leading Denver to a 128-110 victory over Sacramento. Jokic finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists for the Nuggets (34-25). Domantas Sabonis had 33 points, 14 rebounds and six assists for the Kings (22-39), who continued to voice their love and support for Len following the game.
“We stand with Alex Len, our brother,” Sabonis said. “We support him.”
Sabonis also expressed concern for his own family in Lithuania, which has declared a state of emergency in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“All my family is in Lithuania now, so all I can wish is for them to be safe,” Sabonis said. “They’re taking the procedures they have to do. We just want it to end and be peaceful.”
Kings rookie Davion Mitchell said he is keeping Len and his loved ones in his thoughts and prayers.
“We’re praying for him and his family, and we’ve got his back,” Mitchell said.
Len, 28, and Toronto Raptors guard Svi Mykhailiuk, 24, the only Lithuanian players in the NBA, issued a joint statement Thursday denouncing the Russian attack.
“A great tragedy befell our dear homeland Ukraine,” they said. “We categorically condemn the war. Ukraine is a peaceful, sovereign state inhabited by people who want to decide their own destiny. We pray for our families, friends, relatives and all the people who are in the territory of Ukraine. We hope for an end to this terrible war as soon as possible. Dear fellow Ukrainians, hold on! Our strength is in unity! We are with you!”
Interim Kings coach Alvin Gentry opened his pregame news conference by asking for prayers for Len and his family.
“I just wanted to say that we had a little meeting in the locker room, and Alex Len, being from Ukraine, obviously he has family over there and relatives over there, so I’d just like for you guys to keep him in your prayers,” Gentry said. “Hopefully his family is going to remain safe. I think that’s very important and he’s very important to us, not just as a player, but as a person. He’s a tremendous human being and we just want him to know that we’re praying for his family.”
Gentry was asked about the moment of silence following the game.
“This is something the whole team said they would like to do,” Gentry said. “Alex is so well respected on this team, and our main concern is that his family and everybody is safe. We’re going to support him in every way that we possibly can to help him get through this.”
This story was originally published February 25, 2022 at 1:33 AM.
