Lithuania’s Donatas Motiejunas shoots against Team USA in the Fiba World Cup. -FIBA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Donatas Motiejunas can still vividly remember the time when Lithuania brought down Team USA at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
“I was a kid during that time. I was 14. I remember watching the game and it was something spectacular,” Motiejunas recalled, pertaining to Lithuania’s 94-90 win over the United States team that featured Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson and a young trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony.
On Sunday, Motiejunas became part of something even more memorable for himself as a vital piece of the Lithuanian side that pulled off another shocker against Team USA nearly two decades since the Games in Greece.
“Like I said from the first day, we’re here to bring joy to our people and bring joy to our basketball. I know how crazy it is right now in Lithuania. I really love that us as a team can bring this joy to our people,” Motiejunas told reporters after Lithuania’s 110-104 victory against the US’ assembly of rising NBA stars at Mall of Asia Arena.
“It’s unbelievable. If you ask someone before the tournament they said it’s good if we’re gonna make the top 16. That’s what everyone is talking about. But this team is really humble. We understand who we are, we understand how hard we have to work together to get a win. And this is the most important thing. There’s no superstars, no me time, there’s team time.”
Lithuania players including Donatas Motiejunas (20) celebrate during a game against Team USA in the Fiba World Cup. -FIBA PHOTO
Motiejunas, who was drafted 20th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2011 and played his first four seasons in the NBA with the Houston Rockets from 2012 to 2016, gave Lithuania a big lift with nine points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals off the bench.
Lithuania stayed untouchable at 5-0 and there’s nothing more gratifying than beating the mighty Americans, who are being tipped to reclaim the World Cup crown after failing to keep it in 2019.
“One hundred percent,” said the 32-year-old center when asked if winning over the United States is different from Lithuania’s previous victories. “They’re one of the most talented teams in the World Championship. They won the championship many times.”
At the same time, the Motiejunas said Lithuania hasn’t proved anything yet with the “real” battle set to begin on Tuesday against red-hot Serbia in the knockout quarterfinals.
“This is honestly just the group stage. Right now the knockout round starts and the real games start right now,” said Motiejunas, who also suited up for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017 and the San Antonio Spurs in 2019.
“We cannot think that we achieved something. We haven’t achieved anything yet.”