Zalgiris is off to its best start since the EuroLeague adopted the round-robin format in 2016. BasketNews breaks down six key factors behind their unexpected success.
Zalgiris Kaunas is off to their best start in the EuroLeague since the round-robin format was introduced in 2016.
Not even the most devoted green-and-white supporters could have imagined them topping the EuroLeague standings after the first seven rounds.
So, what's behind Zalgiris' early success? BasketNews breaks down six reasons fueling their impressive 6-1 start.
They're really good at defense
Zalgiris boasts the top defensive rating in the EuroLeague, as BBallytics data confirms. They allow the fewest points per game at 71.4 and rank first in both traditional and advanced defensive stats.
Zalgiris has held Monaco (62 points), Maccabi (63), Barcelona (67), and Virtus (68) under 70 points.
Andrea Trinchieri often deploys a mobile, physical lineup with aggressive on-ball pressure and active hands, forcing opponents into uncomfortable situations with frequent deflections.
They excel in perimeter defense, allowing just 26.4% shooting from three, the best in the EuroLeague. Opponents are often forced to find alternative scoring options, with only 35% of shots against Zalgiris coming from beyond the arc (EuroLeague's best).
Trinchieri has Dovydas Giedraitis, a breakout player of the year candidate, already known as one of the league's top on-ball defenders, and Matt Mitchell, a strong and versatile forward capable of guarding multiple positions. Bryant Dunston provides experience and paint protection, serving as the team's defensive anchor.
Even undersized guard Sylvain Francisco brings relentless intensity, proving himself an underrated on-ball defender who ensures opponents never get comfortable.
"We execute plays and try to control the rhythm of the game, making the other team play at our pace. Most of it comes down to our defense; we make a lot of stops," said Francisco.
Additionally, Zalgiris ranks second in true shooting percentage allowed and forces their opponents to play the lowest-paced basketball, per BBallytics.
"We've learned we can't let our offense dictate everything. We're a defensive team; that's where our strength lies. Even when shots don't fall, our defense can carry us," Dunston added.
Throughout EuroLeague history, many teams have surged to great heights and experienced painful downfalls. No one can say it won't happen to Zalgiris, either. However, what works in Zalgiris' favor is that their wins are built on solid defense—not on luck or unsustainable hot streaks.
They're dogs
"We're dogs, we stick together, and we get stops," Matt Mitchell listed his top 3 reasons behind Zalgiris' 6-1 run.
I loved the dog reference—it gave me flashbacks to John Holland's iconic half-time interview vibes.
These Zalgiris players aren't just dogs; they're relentless. They bring top-tier intensity every game, leading the league alongside Virtus Bologna with 22.6 fouls per game.
They never back down, not even against powerhouses like AS Monaco or Barcelona, both seen as Final Four contenders this season.
And they don't just survive. Zalgiris recently pulled off a comeback for the ages, erasing a 27-point deficit against Milan to flip the game in the last 13 minutes.
Trinchieri summed it up perfectly.
