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Kristaps Porzingis makes ‘life or death’ argument when comparing EuroBasket to NBA basketball

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 11:02 AM ET

Kristaps Porzingis spoke about what makes EuroBasket so exciting, comparing it to the grind of the NBA.

Kristaps Porzingis, much like many of the NBA’s best foreign stars, is currently with his national team ahead of the 2025 EuroBasket tournament.

Unfortunately for the Latvian star, his most notable involvement in the tournament was marred by controversy.

Latvia defeated Luka Doncic and Slovenia, thanks in large part to the officiating. Porzingis even apologized to Slovenia’s head coach and players for the skewed result.

Clearly, there is a lot on the line for all the European teams, including pride. But Porzingis believes that the high stakes are the best part about European basketball.

Photo by Elif Ozturk Ozgoncu/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Kristaps Porzingis says EuroBasket similar to NBA Playoffs

Kristaps Porzingis spoke in an interview with FIBA about his time with the Latvian national team.

When talking about why EuroBasket is so exciting, he explained that the high stakes make things important for players and fans. He also compared the environment and intensity to that of the NBA playoffs and finals.

“Every game is life or death, right? Every possession matters, and that’s why it’s so fun for us as players and for the fans. The intensity is insane… But so is the NBA Finals or the NBA playoffs.” (via BasketNews)

Kristaps Porzingis has plenty of experience in the NBA playoffs, having won an NBA championship last season with the Boston Celtics.

Porzingis is one of the many European players who are thriving in the NBA. But he is set to face off against another NBA great during the EuroBasket tournament.

Latvia looking forward to facing Nikola Jokic and Serbia

Speaking further in the interview, Porzingis also looked forward to Latvia’s group stage encounter with Serbia. When discussing the Nikola Jokic-led side, Porzingis called them the favorites.

“[Serbia are] probably, number one, top three for sure, team in the tournament on paper. That’s going to be a tough game for us.”

Latvia will also face its neighbors and rivals, Estonia, in the group stage. While defeating Serbia will be difficult, the Latvian team will target a win over their rivals.

Porzingis will want to have a successful tournament with the Latvian national team, partly so that he can carry the momentum of the summer into his first NBA season with the Atlanta Hawks.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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