Former Houston Rockets big man Donatas Motiejunas hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2018-19 season, but the 32-year-old remains an active professional basketball player in Europe.
At the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Team USA and its cast of NBA players learned Motiejunas can still compete at their level.
In Lithuania’s shocking 110-104 upset (box score) of the Americans, Motiejunas played a key role. With New Orleans Pelicans star Jonas Valančiūnas limited by foul trouble, the seven-footer took on an expanded frontcourt role and seized the opportunity.
Motiejunas finished with 9 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals, and the Lithuanians were plus-7 in his 21 minutes played.
Because Sunday’s game was the first U.S. loss, and it came in the second round, the Americans aren’t eliminated. Lithuania improved to 5-0 on the tournament, while Team USA is 4-1. Both will play in the eight-team quarterfinals on Tuesday and Wednesday.
But for Motiejunas, even if the stakes weren’t quite “win or go home,” it was clearly an opportunity to make a statement. He delivered.
Lithuania carving up USA in ball screens. Here's a Spain PNR with the pick & pop threat Donatas Motiejunas.
Jaren Jackson Jr. gives too much space/ they botch the coverage, and Motiejunas drains it pic.twitter.com/EOYKurl4WH
— The Box and One (@TheBoxAndOne_) September 3, 2023
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