On February 25, Beijing time, the NBA regular season, the Nuggets defeated the Kings 12-110 away. The match was preceded by a pre-match silence ceremony by players from both teams to show solidarity with Kings center Lane and his native Ukraine.
This season, the NBA has a total of two Ukrainian players, namely Toronto Raptors forward Mikkeliouk and Kings center Lane. Earlier, the two players had issued a joint statement condemning Russia's invasion of their country.
"A great tragedy has befallen our dear motherland, Ukraine," they said in a joint statement on social media. "We categorically condemn this 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 everyone in Ukraine. We hope to put an end to this terrible war as soon as possible.
"Dear fellow Ukrainians, hold on! Our strength is united! We are with you! ”
The 28-year-old has been in the NBA for nine seasons, having played for the Suns for many years before playing for the Kings. The 24-year-old Mikkeliouk entered his fourth NBA season as a substitute for the Raptors.