:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56607781/658574020.0.jpg)
The Latvian offensive machine continues to grind its way through Europe after de-pantsing Montenegro Sunday by the score of 100-68. Beloved unicorn Kristaps Porzingis didn’t get much in the way of field goal attempts in this game, but he didn’t really need much to get his points in the ultra-efficient Latvian O: 19 points in 22 minutes on 5-8 shooting, including 2-3 from beyond the arc and 7-7 from the free-throw line. If saw last season that Kristaps had only taken eight shots I would have been like, “Derrick Rose is wildin’ again.”
Kristaps also chipped in 6 rebounds, 3 assists (!!!) and 2 blocks. Here are the highlights.
As for the Robin of our dynamic European duo, Willy Hernangomez didn’t play much in Spain’s 73-56 win over Turkey in Istanbul: 6 minutes, 2 points on 1-4 shooting, 1 assist. The Gasol brothers both played about 30 minutes in this one, and the Spanish coach was clearly not willing to risk playing Willy in what was a close game throughout much of the second half. You need to improve that defense, Willy!
And so Kristaps will face off against Knicks legend Anthony Randolph and Slovenia while Willy’s Spaniards take on Germany in the quarterfinals. Both games are slated for Tuesday.