When Lithuania surprised USA Basketball at the Olympics | Strangest Moments

The Dream Team's third incarnation looked as dominant as the two legendary Basketball teams that had proceeded it…but nobody told Lithuania that at the Olympic Games in Sydney 2000.

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[Talia_Balloons]

I remember watching this, and the commentator saying, "unless you're from America, you're cheering for Lithuania to win."

[bobsnow]

The narrator calls the Russians the USA's "old enemy" (in reference to their Olympic rivalry with the USSR team) but Lithuania was just as much a part of that "old enemy" as Russia. Lithuania made up less than 2% of the Soviet Union's population but contributed 5 players to its 12-man roster when they won the gold in 1988. The country has always been fanatical about the sport. Lithuanians are born with basketballs in their hands.

[nikosfotopoulos]

Much love to Lithuania from Greece!A country with less than 3 million population but with so much basketball talent!!!Lithuania is the Basket itself...Respect brothers

[konstantinosl]

Lithuania has always been considered a ''basketball academy'' among Europeans. Fantastic players

[RoamingHeathen]

As an Australian, Lithuania have always been a key nemesis of ours (despite them being so much smaller a nation). Lithuanian basketball is HIGHLY respected in Australia - such a brilliant combination of strategic team play and individual excellence. I still love watching them play to this day.

[beckyalvarez]

I was at that game, atmosphere was electric, all of us aussies were cheering for Lithuania. Best game I have watched.

[csmgibeau]

Lithuania had/has absolutely NOTHING to be ashamed of, whatsoever. They showed the definition of heart, grit and determination, which is a rare commodity these days.

[FlaatBeat]

To me Lithuania is one the best nation in the world in history of basketball. Respect from France

[alanc]

This was when LaVar made the decision to go to Lithuania

[Sarple]

even if we lost, we were winners in our hearts on that day. It was intense but beautiful basketball to watch. thanks for a nice reminder!

[dimitriszis]

So so much respect to Lithuania from Greece. They deserved to win. Played like fighters.

[andrijabogdanovic]

Respect for our eternal rival Lituania. Greetings from Serbia!

[malikshibly]

I love these videos. Puts the athletes you may never have known of in the spotlight and giving them the respect they deserve

[Luna]

5 years later Lithuania has done it again! Successfully this time.

[aeforce]

Imagine your in the 92 olympics finally realizing you can play basket ball for your home country, and the first opponent you have is the top 10 basketball legends in history

[nostromokg]

Respect to Lithuania, our tough opponent from Serbia....

[amandelis]

Yeah we Lithuanians lost against dream team in olympic games in 2000, but we take revenge and win on 2004 olympic games in Athens.

[armandyiu]

Lithuania always goes hard. They're the "Other Dream Team".

[nlp]

There should be a Hollywood movie. Much respect goes out to Lithuania.

[negrupautai]

As a Lithuanian, this gave me chills every 10 seconds