| |
|
NBA -- The Rocket from Lithuania
By Leo Quilaton
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 12 Jan 2015
HOUSTON -- At a towering 7-feet, 255 pounds, he is quite a presence on the basketball floor. And he proved that Saturday night at the Toyota Center where he scored 14 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to help his team tune out the Utah Jazz, 97-82.
Meet Donatas Motiejunas, or simply D-Mo to his fans.
The No.11 pick of the 2011 NBA draft, D-Mo plays both the center and power forward slots for the Houston Rockets, a Western Conference heavyweight whose frontline is bannered by the 6-foot-11 Dwight Howard.
Though just 24 years young, D-Mo is quickly evolving as a significant piece of what the Rockets call the 'pursuit" of an NBA title that has eluded the franchise since 1995, when Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon was on the prowl and dominated both ends of the floor.
In 38 games played this season, a stint that includes 28 starts while logging just over 27 minutes per, Motiejunas is averaging a robust 10.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists a contest.
It's an impressive feat given that D-Mo has scant NBA experience and is still learning the pace and style of the NBA game.
Entering his third NBA season, D-Mo has appeared in 145 regular season games thus far and his averages are a modest 6.9 points and 3.8 rebounds. an outing
Obviously, there is a lot of room for improvement.
It remains to be seen whether D-Mo eventually blossoms into an All-Star or settles in only as a solid starter throughout his career. Either, this tower from Lituahnia is someone worth keeping tabs on as this 2014-15 NBA campaign plods along.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Leo Quilaton.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Kevin Brown Victorious - Retains His WBA Continental North American Title
, Tue, 23 Sep 2025Kingsley “The Black Lion” Kingsley Ibeh Rolled to 11th win in a row to become new WBC FECARBOX Heavyweight Champion
, Tue, 23 Sep 2025Former World Champion Marcus Browne Returns to the Ring Against Brandon Glanton in Nigeria on Independence Day
, Tue, 23 Sep 2025MATCHROOM SPORT PRESIDENT BARRY HEARN OBE RECEIVES FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF LONDON
, Tue, 23 Sep 20252025 Sports Heroes Night on Sept. 28 at TRM
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 23 Sep 2025IIEE Singapore notches 7th level championships in Chess Olympiad, IIEE Metro East is shootfest Champ
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 23 Sep 2025Danovis Pooler and the Martial Art of Boxing (Special Series 2 of 5)
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Mon, 22 Sep 2025Junior, Youth and Elite Divisions Conclude on Final Day of 2025 USA Boxing National Open
, Mon, 22 Sep 2025Vayson rues coach’s decision
By Joaquin Henson, , Mon, 22 Sep 2025Donaire In Line For Shot Again at WBA Regular Bantamweight Title
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Sun, 21 Sep 2025Oscar Collazo Defeats Jayson Vayson in Controversial 7th-Round Stoppage
By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 21 Sep 2025PUERTO RICO’S OSCAR COLLAZO SHINES IN INDIO WITH SEVENTH-ROUND TKO TO REMAIN UNDEFEATED AND UNIFIED MINIMUMWEIGHT CHAMPION
, Sun, 21 Sep 2025Jayson Vayson and Oscar Collazo Make Weight, Ready for Unified World Title Showdown Today on DAZN
By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 20 Sep 2025PeeWee, Bantam and Intermediate Champions Crowned on Day Five of USA Boxing National Open
, Sat, 20 Sep 2025Quezon City chess wonder makes a big push for glory sweeps FIDE-rated rapid chess tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 20 Sep 2025WEIGHTS FROM INDIO, CA: COLLAZO -104.6 LBS., VAYSON - 104.4 LBS.
By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 20 Sep 2025Japanese World Champions Down to Four
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Sat, 20 Sep 2025The Night Boxing Reached for Its Crown
By Mark F. Villanueva, , Sat, 20 Sep 2025WATCH BOXING INSIDER PROMOTIONS CARD ON YOUTUBE AT 7:00 PM ET
, Sat, 20 Sep 2025"Legacy Night" Official weights from El Salvador
, Sat, 20 Sep 2025Brian Mendoza Calls Out Sebastian Fundora in Explosive Appearance on “Drew & Pris Uncensored” Podcast
, Sat, 20 Sep 2025With Support from GAB and Topnotch Team, Jayson Vayson Battles for Glory (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 20 Sep 2025Weights from New York City
, Sat, 20 Sep 2025Sampaguita Stakes Race to Crown Top Filly in Highly Anticipated 2025 Showdown
, Sat, 20 Sep 2025USA Boxing National Open Preliminary Rounds Finalized on Thursday
, Sat, 20 Sep 2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
