Rockets star Alperen Sengun (16 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, +17 in 28 minutes) had a big game to open EuroBasket 2025 play, and it led to Turkey routing a Latvia squad featuring Kristaps Porzingis.
Led by a strong showing Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun, Turkey defeated Latvia, 93-73 (box score), in the opening Group A game of the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 competition.
With a roster featuring Kristaps Porzingis, a recent NBA champion and All-Star, Latvia entered ranked No. 9 in the world (as compared to No. 27 for Turkey). Yet, it was Turkey that won convincingly on the road — and Sengun got the better of his NBA big-man counterpart.
Sengun finished with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists while making 7-of-12 shots (58.3%), and Turkey went +17 in his 28 minutes played. The 2025 All-Star had the most rebounds and assists of any player in the game, and the attention Sengun drew as a scoring threat led to more passing and playmaking opportunities.
On the other side, Porzingis had 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 turnovers, and he shot just 3-of-12 overall (25.0%). Latvia went -17 in his 25 minutes.
Highlights are available below. Turkey will resume group-stage play Friday versus Czechia, with tipoff at 6:45 a.m. Central time. Details on how to stream are available at FIBA’s website.