The mayor of Kaunas, despite being invited twice to a public event, did not make an appearance, leading to visible discontent among the audience. Some fans of the local basketball team, Žalgiris, chanted a previously used slogan targeting Mayor Visvaldas Matijošaitis, indicating dissatisfaction with his absence. This moment highlighted the ongoing tensions between city officials and the local sports community.

Due to the mayor's absence, the awards ceremony was extended, during which the Most Valuable Player of the Final Four was announced. This accolade went to Moses Wright, a towering player from Kaunas, marking a historic moment as he became the first American to win the King Mindaugas Cup MVP award. His achievement not only underscores the talent present in Kaunas but also adds to the pride of the local basketball scene.

The fans’ reaction and the absence of the mayor suggest a growing divide between sports supporters in Kaunas and their political leadership. Such incidents can impact local governance and community relationships, especially considering the importance of basketball in Lithuania. The significance of this local sporting event may influence the mayor's future interactions with the community, making it essential for him to engage more actively with the local sports culture.