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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Ben DuBose

Former Rockets big Donatas Motiejunas helps Lithuania shock USA

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 that Motiejunas can still compete at their level.

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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 +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 now 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.

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