The forgotten man of this year’s All-Star Game, Domantas Sabonis, is one of the most dominant interior players in the NBA this season. And last night he showed why he was a big snub for this year’s All-Star game. 

22 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists: last night, Domantas Sabonis peppered the score sheet once again in the Sacramento Kings win over San Antonio. The 19th triple double of the season for the Lithuanian big man, three more than Nikola Jokic. Sabonis is becoming a specialist in this statistical feat, and this game featured several dazzling actions, like this huge dunk on Zach Collins’ nose.

Since the beginning of February, the name of Sabonis (27 years old) has come up regularly in discussions. Not really because of the results of the Sacramento Kings, 3rd in the West last season and only 8th at present, at the heart of a small group including the Suns, Pelicans, Mavericks and Lakers, between 34 and 30 victories. If the Lithuanian big man is the talk of the town, it’s mainly because of his impact, his gargantuan statistics (20.2 points, 13.2 rebounds and 8.4 assists on average), and because he was shunned by the coaches in charge of selecting replacements for the All-Star Game.

The first pivot in history to compile an average of over 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists not to take part in the All-Star Game, Sabonis was the big absentee at the annual showpiece, which at times turned into a circus, last weekend in Indianapolis. “It’s clear to anyone who watches the NBA and the Kings that De’Aaron (Fox) and Domantas should have been selected for the All-Star Game this year,” Kings coach Mike Brown said earlier this month. They’re playing at an incredible level. Domantas is posting historic stats with his double-doubles, and De’Aaron has his best 3-point average. Every year, deserving players are left off the team, but for me, this is really a glaring error.”

Fox’s absence seems to be explained by the density of the players retained on the back court in the West (Doncic, Gilgeous-Alexander, Curry, Booker, Edwards…), Sabonis’ snub is all the more questionable as he shows an incredible versatility and dominates the season rankings of double-doubles, triple-doubles, and is the best rebounder in the League. “It’s always an honor to be mentioned or to be part of a group with so much talent and the best players in the League,” he acknowledged, counting three participations (2020, 2021, 2023). Now, I’m focused on winning a title with this team and helping my teammates.”

For the title, it’s going to be a battle. When it comes to helping his team, the former OKC and Indiana player, who extended his contract in California last summer, does his best. And the way he does it is noticed. He currently occupies 6th place in the “MVP race”, tied with Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers). 

Nevertheless, the son of one of Europe’s pioneers on the other side of the Atlantic, who has been a member of the Hall of Fame since 2011, is in radiant form. Less troubled by foul trouble than last season, more adept (62.2% shooting, 42.6% three-pointers), the Lithuanian remains one of the keystones of the Kings’ system. A king who would gladly trade an individual honor for a championship ring.

This post is originally from L’Équipe