A Long-Awaited Triumph
In a stunning display of skill and determination, Portugal secured their first win in the FIBA EuroBasket since 2007, defeating Czechia with a score of 62-50 in the opening game of Group A in Latvia. This victory marks a significant milestone for Portuguese basketball, ending an 18-year wait for a EuroBasket win.
The Game-Changing Moment
Portugal started strong with a 7-0 lead but struggled to pull away until the third quarter. Rafael Lisboa hit two crucial three-pointers on consecutive possessions, extending the lead to 40-30. With Czechia unable to surpass 50 points, Portugal coasted to a stress-free finish.
Star of the Show: Neemias Queta
Neemias Queta, the Boston Celtics center and NBA champion, delivered a monster performance. In the first half alone, he racked up 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks. By the end of the game, his stats were even more impressive: 23 points, 18 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 steals, and an efficiency rating of 39. Queta is the first player in EuroBasket history to record at least 20 points and 15 rebounds in their debut since FIBA began tracking rebounds.
Defensive Dominance
Coach Mario Gomes's defensive strategy paid off, as Portugal forced 19 turnovers from Czechia. This led to an 11-3 advantage in fast break points and a 21-10 edge in points off turnovers, showcasing Portugal's defensive intensity.
What's Next
Both teams have a day off on Thursday before resuming play. Portugal will face Serbia and Türkiye on Friday and Saturday, respectively, while Czechia takes on Türkiye and Estonia. Vit Krejci led Czechia with 10 points, but the team will need more offensive firepower to secure wins.
Player Insights
- Miguel Queiroz, Portugal: "It's a big win for Portugal, we surprised everyone a bit, but now we have to keep working because now people are going to be looking at us differently. So let's stay humble, it's only one win."
- Vit Krejci, Czechia: "We missed some shots early and had 3 fast break points, against a team with Queta down there, it's really hard to play 5v5 when he's in the paint. It's a learning curve."
- Travante Williams, Portugal: "I know he had like 23, but we still didn't give him the ball enough. He's a big time player, EuroBasket is the perfect place for him to show his talent."
For more highlights and the official post-game press conference, check out the embedded videos.
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