Kristaps Porzingis and Vit Krejci Lose Their Eurobasket Openers

Hawks big man Kristaps Porzingis suited up for Latvia and scored 10 points in a 93-73 loss against Turkey (Image via Courtside 1891)
By: Lucas Kochevar

Hawks players began action in Eurobasket 2025 as Kristaps Porzingis and Latvia lost to Turkey 93-73 and Vit Krejci lost in Czechia’s opener against Portugal, 62-50. 

Porzingis ended his game with 10 points and four rebounds . Porzingis and Latvia struggled out the gate with lackluster defense that led to a 13-3 Turkey lead. Porzingis still struggled shooting, but showed more activity as Latvia cut into the lead to make it 24-21 at the end of the first quarter. Both teams went back-and-forth in the second quarter, but Turkey had a 39-47 lead at halftime. Turkey pulled away from Latvia in the third quarter and they would hold a 26-point lead at one point. They shot 15/25 (60%) from three for the game and Cedi Osman led all scorers with 20 points. 

As one of the host cities, Latvia will play in front of their fans again on Friday against Estonia at 11 a.m. EST. 

Krejci finished his game with 12 points, four rebounds and three assists. Czechia couldn’t find their footing early as Portugal jumped out to an early lead, but a 6-0 run helped Czechia grab a small lead. The lead was short-lived as Portugal would go back on top, including an 11-4 run in the fourth quarter. The biggest difference was shot-making as Portugal shot 38% to Czechia’s 29%. Portugal big man Neemias Queta led the game in scoring with 23 points. 

Krejci and Czechia will be back in action against Turkey on Friday at 7:45 a.m. EST.

Reminder, Zaccharie Risacher and France play tomorrow, Aug. 28 at 11 a.m. EST against Belgium. ​