Turkey won big in its EuroBasket 2025 opener, and Latvian center Kristaps Porzingis had more compliments in store for Rockets star Alperen Sengun.
Prior to Turkey’s opening victory in FIBA EuroBasket 2025 play, Latvian star Kristaps Porzingis was very complimentary of Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun.
So, in the aftermath of Latvia’s ensuing 20-point loss to Turkey, it was only logical that the 10-year NBA veteran — now with the Atlanta Hawks — would have more compliments in store.
He did not disappoint. Regarding the 23-year-old rising star, Porzingis said (via BasketNews):
He’s good. He’s talented. The way he spins around off the body… he’s really good at this. One of the best.”
He’s like a baby (Nikola) Jokic, you know. His passing ability and how he makes his teammates better is a credit to him, for sure.
I think we overhelped. We don’t need the help as much, especially leaving some of the guys that got hot. We cannot leave them so open.
Jokic, of course, is a three-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) who plays for both the Denver Nuggets and the Serbian national team (also competing in EuroBasket 2025).
Sengun finished with 16 points (58.3%), 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, with the latter two figures the most of any player in the game. With Latvia choosing to respect Sengun as a scorer and shot creator, that opened up more opportunities as a passer and playmaker.
Perhaps too many, from Porzingis’ perspective.
With a roster led by Porzingis, a recent NBA champion and All-Star, Latvia entered the game 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 won the individual matchup versus an NBA big-man rival, as well.
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, while Turkey was +17 in the 28 Sengun minutes.
Highlights are available below. Turkey resumes 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.