Yi Jianlian had a disappointing ending to an otherwise impressive world championship. The Wizards forward had his lowest scoring outing of the tournament — 11 points — as Linas Kleiza scored 30 points to lead Lithuania to a 78-67 victory over Yi and China in the round of 16.
Yi was not as effective scoring on Tuesday, but helped China in various other ways with a team-high 12 rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
The seven-footer finished with the third highest points per game (20.2) and highest rebounds per game (10.2) in the world championship.
In three NBA seasons, Yi has averaged 9.6 points and 5.8 rebounds and the Wizards are his third team in four years. If the 22-year-old is able to bring the confidence he’s gained in Turkey back to America, he may be ready for a breakout season in Washington.
