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Kings & Nuggets Show Support For Ukraine Crisis Before Game

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 26: Alex Len #25 of the Sacramento Kings in action against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on February 26, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)

The Kings and Nuggets held a moment of silence before their game Thursday in Sacramento and linked arms with Sacramento center Alex Len to show support for what’s happening in his native country.

Len, 28, and Raptors wing Svi Mykhailiuk—the two Ukrainian players in the NBA this season—released a statement earlier Thursday condemning Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine.

“A great tragedy befell our dear homeland Ukraine,” they said. “We categorically condemn the 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 all the people who are in the territory of Ukraine. We hope for an end to this terrible war as soon as possible.

“Dear fellow Ukrainians, Hold on! Our strength is in unity! We are with you!”

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Len is a nine-year NBA veteran and former first-round pick of the Phoenix Suns. Mykhailiuk, 24, is in his fourth season and plays 15 minutes as a reserve for Toronto.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been impacted by the recent events in Ukraine, and especially with our Ukrainian players Alex Len and Svi Mykhailiuk and their families during this difficult time,” the NBA Players Association tweeted Thursday.

The Nuggets beat the Kings 128-110.

Andrew Corselli