Motiejunas recalls crazy Manila experience from first NBA game in Philippines / News - Basketnews.com

In 2013, before the historic NBA game in the Philippines, the Houston Rockets had to be escorted by local police from a Manila shopping mall due to the overwhelming presence of enthusiastic fans.

Credit: LTU Basketball Credit LTU Basketball

Donatas Motiejunas chuckled when I showed him an old picture in the mixed zone of the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila.

Jeremy Lin

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"Oh, I remember this one very well," he said with a smile.

He watched the image of himself wearing the Houston Rockets jersey before his sophomore NBA season and setting a screen for his teammate Jeremy Lin in Manila.

A decade after the historic hosting of the first-ever NBA preseason game in the Philippines, former NBA big man Donatas Motiejunas returns to the country that carved an unforgettable mark in his basketball journey.

The off-court adventures and the unparalleled Filipino love for basketball left a stronger impression on his memory than the game itself.

Leading up to the much-anticipated exhibition game between the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers in October 2013, Rockets players decided to visit a local shopping mall.

Little did they know that a single photograph circulating online, hinting at their presence, would unleash a massive wave of fans.

The mall, it seemed, became a magnet for basketball enthusiasts who flocked from all corners, causing it necessary to shut down operations temporarily.

It was flooded with overwhelming supporters, forcing the authorities to close down the shopping center. The situation grew so extreme that the authorities had to intervene, as the police had to safely escort the Rockets players out of the midst of an enthusiastic crowd.

"Such scenes were both exciting and overwhelming," Motiejunas, 32, recalled in an interview on BasketNews.

"Our fans in Lithuania are also crazy about basketball, but this was on a different level," Motiejunas reflects with a chuckle, highlighting the passion and dedication of Filipino fans.

In 2013, the Rockets sealed their victory over the Indiana Pacers in front of 12,885 fans in the Mall of Asia Arena, 116-96.

Motiejunas, alongside the iconic Jeremy Lin, started the game and delivered an impactful performance. The Lithuanian big man contributed 16 points and 3 rebounds, while Lin showcased his versatility with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.

James Harden emerged as the game's top scorer with 21 points, while Patrick Beverley added 12 points. Dwight Howard got into early foul trouble and notched 9 points and 3 rebounds, while retired Israeli basketball star Omri Casspi shone with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

On the opposing end, the Indiana Pacers were led by Paul George, who scored 17 points, and FIBA basketball legend Luis Scola, who contributed 10 points and six rebounds.

After the game in the Philippines, the Rockets continued their journey to Taiwan, where another captivating off-court adventure unfolded. This experience became a cherished anecdote in Motiejunas' career.

"I remember arriving in Taiwan at 2 in the morning, and the airport was packed with people. It was impossible to pass through without the assistance of the police. After all, Jeremy Lin, Dwight Howard, and James Harden had arrived. The atmosphere was electric, and the number of fans was really inspiring," he recounted.

"This entire experience marked my first taste of Asia's basketball culture. I was astonished by the extent of NBA basketball's following here," he shared.

Fast-forward to 2023, and the scene shifts to a new setting as Motiejunas prepares to step onto the Mall of Asia Arena once again, this time wearing the colors of the Lithuanian basketball national team in the FIBA World Cup.

A decade had passed since his previous visit, and the transformation was undeniable.

As he walks through the same streets, now with a Lithuanian jersey on his back, Motiejunas finds himself in awe of the change.

"Back then, I couldn't imagine this landscape around the arena. Where we lived, the views were quite different. It's amazing to see how things have changed. Now you can have a walk around the area. Back in the day, the club didn't allow us to leave the hotel," he said.

"I remember being taken to a street market on the city's outskirts to get a glimpse of local culture, but our activities were guided by security. Also, the club discouraged us from going out after dark due to safety concerns," Motiejunas added.

The streets of Pasay in Manila still resound with the local fans' passion for basketball as they recognize and approach Motiejunas.

"Some recognized and stopped me. Most often [they] get amazed by my height. Of course, it's all influenced by the national team. But if Americans were to enter a shopping mall, they'd probably have to close it down too," he chuckled.

However, this time, the adventures take a backseat. Motiejunas has an important task with the Lithuania national team ahead.

"Are we here simply as tourists or individuals striving for a goal? I take this seriously and will give it my all," he affirmed.

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