Türkiye Dominates Latvia in EuroBasket 2025 Opener, Sends Strong Message

EuroBasket 2025 tipped off in thrilling fashion on August 27, with Türkiye delivering a statement performance in their opening game against Latvia. Held at the packed Xiaomi Arena in Riga, Türkiye’s emphatic 93-73 victory not only secured their first win in Group A but also positioned them as one of the tournament’s leading contenders. Under the leadership of Coach Ergin Ataman, the Turkish squad executed a masterful game plan, neutralizing Latvia’s star player Kristaps Porziņģis and showcasing the depth of their roster.

Strategic Mastery: Neutralizing Kristaps Porziņģis

Latvia’s towering NBA star Kristaps Porziņģis was expected to be a key factor in the game, given his history of dominating performances against Türkiye. However, Coach Ataman devised a tactical approach to limit Porziņģis’ impact. Speaking after the game, Shane Larkin explained, “It was a conscious effort to make him work on the defensive side.” By forcing Porziņģis to defend in the post and chase pick-and-rolls, Türkiye successfully drained his energy and neutralized his offensive prowess. Porziņģis, who had torched Türkiye with 28 points in a previous EuroBasket encounter, was held to just 10 points and committed six turnovers in this game. The strategy was evident in his flat shooting and missed three-pointers, with Ercan Osmani even partially blocking one attempt.

Larkin’s own performance was a highlight, particularly his decisive drive past Porziņģis in the second quarter. Instead of settling for a long-range shot, Larkin’s layup showcased Türkiye’s determination to challenge Latvia’s defensive core. This calculated approach set the tone for the rest of the game, as Türkiye outmaneuvered their opponents on both ends of the court.

The Rise of “The Other Guys”

While Türkiye’s “Big Three” of Larkin, Cedi Osman, and Alperen Şengün delivered as expected, it was the contributions from lesser-known players that truly elevated the team’s performance. Kenan Sipahi had a breakout game, hitting a career-high five three-pointers and scoring 19 points. His efficiency was undeniable, with Türkiye outscoring Latvia by 37 points during his 28 minutes on the court. Similarly, Şehmus Hazer made a significant impact off the bench, electrifying the crowd with a powerful dunk and perfect shooting from deep.

Coach Ataman emphasized the importance of these “Other Guys” in Türkiye’s success. With a deep roster that includes players like Furkan Korkmaz and Adem Bona, Türkiye demonstrated their ability to adapt and capitalize on various matchups. Latvia’s assistant coach, Janis Gailitis, admitted before the game that stopping Türkiye’s Big Three was the primary focus, but the unexpected contributions from players like Sipahi and Hazer proved decisive.

Dominance in the Face of Adversity

Playing against the host nation in front of 11,000 passionate fans could have been intimidating, but Türkiye showed no signs of nerves. From the opening tip-off, they set the tone with an aggressive and focused approach. Ercan Osmani’s dunk in the first seconds of the game silenced the crowd and established Türkiye’s dominance early on. Even an unsuccessful coach’s challenge in the first quarter highlighted their commitment to treating every possession with utmost importance.

Latvia struggled to find their rhythm, constantly trailing as Türkiye maintained their intensity. By halftime, Türkiye had built a commanding lead, and their relentless play ensured that Latvia never had a chance to mount a comeback. This 20-point victory marked Türkiye’s largest win against a EuroBasket host nation, a testament to their preparedness and execution under pressure.

Looking Ahead: Türkiye’s Path in Group A

With their first game behind them, Türkiye now turns their attention to the remaining matchups in Group A. Their next three opponents—Czechia, Portugal, and Estonia—are considered less formidable, making Türkiye the clear favorites to advance with an unbeaten record. The final group-stage game against Serbia, led by NBA superstar Nikola Jokić, promises to be a thrilling encounter and a true test of Türkiye’s championship aspirations.

The EuroBasket 2025 tournament, featuring 24 teams and numerous NBA stars, is set to be one of the most competitive editions in recent history. Türkiye’s strong start has already sent ripples through the basketball world, with analysts and fans alike considering them serious contenders for the title.

As the tournament progresses, Türkiye’s blend of star power, strategic coaching, and depth will undoubtedly make them a team to watch. If their opening performance is any indication, they are well on their way to making a deep run in EuroBasket 2025.