Jonas Valanciunas flopped like a seal despite big first quarter (Video)

Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas was money in the first quarter of Wednesday’s play-in game against the San Antonio Spurs, but he sold a foul in the process.

Jonas Valancianas was dominant early on in the Memphis Grizzlies‘ play-in game against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. He went off for 12 points and 9 rebounds in the opening frame alone.

However, he may well be remembered more for flopping like a seal in an effort to get a whistle than for his scoring output.

That’s quite the acting job from the Lithuanian big man. Even the Spurs’ Gorgui Dieng looks surprised at his talent.

Valanciunas flops on way to big first half

Valanciunas may have added some theatrics, but there’s no doubt he’s stepping up big for the Grizzlies in their most important game of the year. The center powered Memphis to a 38-19 lead in the opening quarter and had a game-high 16 points and 15 rebounds on 7-of-9 shooting heading into halftime.

The Grizzlies will need more of that and less of the acting if they want to prevent a Spurs comeback in the second half.

The winner will play the loser of the Golden State Warriors-Los Angeles Lakers showdown to decide the Western Conference’s No. 8 seed in the 2021 NBA Playoffs on Friday.