Porzingis about losing to Slovenia in 2017: 'That game still hurts' / News - Basketnews.com

Kristaps Porzingis was excited about Latvia qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in the country's history. The center revealed it still hurts to think about the last time Latvia played in the EuroBasket where the only game they lost was against Slovenia in the quarterfinal.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

After missing out on participating in EuroBasket 2022, Latvia has qualified for the 2023 FIBA World Cup for the first time in the country's history. With strong performances against Turkey and Greece recently, the team positioned itself as one of the best in the Qualifiers.

Player of the Game EFF 27 Luka Doncic Points 27 Accuracy 7-14 Rebounds 9 Assists 1

Asked about the EuroBasket that Latvia had to miss, Kristaps Porzingis admitted that it was tough and it should not happen.

"It was tough for us not to go," he said to FIBA.com. "We are top five or seven in Europe. I didn't like the situation. It was what it was. We didn't qualify. I enjoyed watching it, but I want to play."

The last time Latvia played in the EuroBasket, they lost against eventual champions Slovenia in the quarterfinal. Led by Porzingis, Latvia shined in EuroBasket 2017. The loss to Slovenia was their only one in the entire tournament.

"We finished fifth. We lost to Slovenia and that was tough. That game still hurts," the Washington Wizards big man said. "I wish we could have won that game. I hope I can have another chance in the World Cup and EuroBasket."

Together with Latvia, 6 other teams from Europe have qualified for the World Cup - France, Lithuania, Spain, Slovenia, Germany, and Finland, for whom it will be the first time as well.

"The World Cup is the first time for us, [and] in such beautiful countries," Porzingis said. "It's going to be a great experience for everyone, not just me, the team, but our families and fans. It's going to be spectacular. I can't wait for next summer."

"Anything can happen. You can finish in the top three or [you can finish] 15th. We have to see how it goes," the Latvia star told. "We are going to have the talent to do great things."

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