Zalgiris Kaunas is the Betsafe-LKL champion for the 2024-2025 season! The Kaunas team defeated Rytas Vilnius 76-69 (15-15, 14-15, 21-25, 26-14) at Zalgirio Arena and won the final series 3-2.

Laurynas Birutis opened the game with a strong layup, but opponents scored 7 points in a row, 2-7. Sylvain Francisco was accurate from mid-range, while Edgaras Ulanovas and Alen Smailagic scored 2 free throws apiece to make it 8-7. Ulanovas hit a three-pointer, Francisco converted his free throws and Isaiah Wong snuck under the basket (15-11), but the score was tied at 15-15 after the first quarter.

Bryant Dunston sank free throws and made two assists to the cutting Deividas Sirvydis, 21-17. Francisco hit 1 of the 2 free throws twice, as the opponents pulled ahead, 23-29. In the remaining 3 minutes of the second quarter, Zalgiris defended well, while Ignas Brazdeikis, Birutis and Ulanovas scored each, 29-30.

Despite Birutis’ points, the visitors pulled away 31-38. Francisco made a layup with a foul, Brazdeikis broke through under the basket and Ulanovas made free throws, 38-40. The opponents separated again (38-47), but points by Dunston, Ulanovas, Sirvydis and Francisco reduced the deficit to 45-49. Francisco scored under the basket and Giedraitis hit a three-pointer at the buzzer of the third quarter, 50-55.

Smailagic scored 4 points after Birutis’ assists, Francisco sank the free throws and assisted Smailagic’s three-pointer, 59-59. Brazdeikis put Zalgiris ahead, Birutis and Brazdeikis hit 1 free throw each, and Ulanovas tied the score, 65-65. Zalgiris, who defended well, finally broke through with a three-pointer by Brazdeikis and Smailagic, 71-67. Brazdeikis scored 5 more points and clinched Zalgiris’ victory, 76-69.

Francisco was selected as MVP of the final series, and finished Game 5 with 15 points and 7 assists. Brazdeikis scored 15 as well, Ulanovas added 13 points and 6 rebounds, while Smailagic collected 12 points.