Uleckas's clutch threes propel Juventus to first LKL final

Lukas Uleckas delivered a clutch performance, sinking two difficult three-pointers in the final moments to secure Utenos Juventus's historic first LKL final appearance. The team overcame a deficit against Klaipėdos Neptūnas, with Uleckas's late-game heroics sealing the victory.

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Looking at my entire career, I think there are many examples where players leave for a bigger role. I think I should have done that earlier (left Rytas).

At 26, Uleckas has transformed his game since his tenure at BC Rytas. While he previously focused on shooting threes, he now contributes as a versatile player, excelling in rebounding, creating opportunities with his dribbling, and demonstrating a strong understanding of game flow. His semi-final stats of 21 points and 29 efficiency points far surpass his previous career highs at Rytas, where he averaged a maximum of 7.1 points and 6.8 efficiency points over four years.

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Now I am forming myself as a player, improving every week, month. I am playing even better with Laimonas Eglinskas. I think I should have left earlier.

Reflecting on his past, Uleckas expressed regret for not leaving BC Rytas sooner. "Looking at my entire career, I think there are many examples where players leave for a bigger role. I think I should have done that earlier (left Rytas)," he said. He credits his current development to consistent improvement and working with coach Laimonas Eglinskas, feeling he is now playing "correct basketball" by creating for others and having the ball in his hands.

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Our team has champions. Hassan Diarra, myself, Erikas Venskus has won, Paulius Valinskas. We know how to win. Now we have a strong opponent. We will try to enjoy and give the biggest fight possible.

Despite the intense atmosphere and some on-court altercations during the series, Uleckas maintained focus. He acknowledged the opponent's tactics, including physical play and verbal provocations, but emphasized his team's strategy to avoid getting drawn into such exchanges. Juventus now looks ahead to the LKL final, with Uleckas confident in his team's championship experience, noting the presence of players like Hassan Diarra, Erikas Venskus, and Paulius Valinskas who know what it takes to win.

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We chose the defensive systems well against Lomaž and Velička. We tried to let him (Velička) create as little as possible, better let him score. In offense, we attacked them well with Spanish pick-and-roll. We had advantages in one-on-one situations.