The EuroBasket quarterfinal matchup between Slovenia and Latvia was an intriguing one as it pitted two of the tournament’s standout performers: Slovenia’s Miami Heat point guard Goran Dragic and Latvia’s New York Knicks big man Kristaps Porzingis.
Dragic was simply sensational during the group stage, where he averaged over 24 points and 5.2 assists per game. At one point in the tournament, he had averaged well over one point per minute played. Not to be out done, the newly buffed-up Porzingis put up nearly 22 points per game.
That marquee matchup did not disappoint as the two NBA stars brought their A-game once again. But while Porzingis came away with more points – he finished with 34 points and six rebounds – Dragic’s all-around effort with 26 points, six rebounds, and eight assists led the Slovenians to the semifinals with a 103-97 win.
Dragic also had a lot of help from former NBA player Anthony Randolph (16 points, nine rebounds) as well as another soon-to-be NBA player, Luka Doncic. The 18-year-old, who is widely expected to be a top draft pick next season, had a team-high 27 points and nine rebounds for Slovenia.
With the win, Slovenia now moves on to the semifinals of EuroBasket for just the second time in the country’s history and will face defending champions Spain.
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