France wins Eurobasket championship

Jun 20, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9) reacts during the fourth quarter of game seven in the 2013 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Tony Parker led his France team to the final game of the Eurobasket championship. And then, Lithuania had an answer for him. But, it didn’t matter. Parker’s teammates handled things very well and France went on the win their first major basketball title. Parker was named MVP of the tournament despite a quiet game.

"France broke open a close game by finishing the third quarter with a 14-0 run that kept Lithuania scoreless for four minutes. The French lead grew to 22 points with three minutes remaining in the third and Lithuania never came close to a comeback. Nicolas Batum had 17 points and Boris Diaw added 15, while Linas Kleiza led Lithuania with 20."

Yup, NBA players were key on their respective teams. I’m sure it was worth it for Parker who had said he would take things easy during the tournament as well as the Spurs telling him to not over do it. For the Spurs, you can’t really blame them. At this point, Parker is the Spurs’ best player and if they want another chance at the title and perhaps a rematch with the Heat, they’ll need him. Getting hurt during the tournament would’ve been bad news all around.

USA Today with the tip.

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