Former Celtics center quickly rights his wrong after an unfortunate development

Finally, Kristaps Porzingis gets to suit up for Latvia. Plantar Fasciitis cost him that opportunity two years ago. Last summer, he needed foot surgery after helping the Boston Celtics capture banner 18. Now, he's donning his home country's uniform. Even better, Latvia is one of the host countries at EuroBasket.

Unfortunately, Porzingis's first game at Arena Riga didn't go as he had envisioned. The seven-foot-two center finished with 10 points on 3/12 shooting. He also grabbed four rebounds. However, he committed as many fouls and had six turnovers. Latvia fell to Houston Rockets' All-Star center Alperen Sengun and Turkey, 93-73.

Friday, Porzingis responded with a tour de force. The former Celtics center erupted for 26 points. He converted on 8/12 field goal attempts. He also grabbed seven rebounds and registered two rejections. His performance led the way to a 72-70 win over Estonia.

Porzingis poised for clash with former Celtics teammate

While Friday wasn't as promising a showing for Neemias Queta, he shone bright in his first EuroBasket appearance. The Lisbon native recorded 23 points, 18 rebounds, four blocks, and two steals. He steered Portugal to a 62-50 win over Czechoslovakia. 

Queta became the first player to have more than 20 points and 15 rebounds in their EuroBasket debut since 1995, per the tournament's official account on X.

In his encore, he had to face three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. The latter finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds, both game-highs, in an 80-69 win. Queta had six points, two blocks, and as many rebounds and assists.

He also bumped into Porzingis. Their pleasant exchange comes days before they'll square off against each other. Latvia will face Portugal on Monday at 2:15 p.m. ET.

Before Queta goes head-to-head against his former teammate, he will get his turn to take on Sengun. Saturday's matchup vs. Turkey is the second half of a back-to-back for both clubs. The latter earned a 92-78 victory vs. Czechoslovakia on Friday.

Sengun nearly notched a triple-double in the win. He finished with 23 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. He was the game's outright leader in the latter two categories. The burgeoning star tied Estonia's Martin Peterka for the most points.

Now Queta is tasked with slowing him down. The series of centers he's facing in group play highlights how EuroBasket serves as an outstanding tune-up for the upcoming campaign. He enters training camp as the frontrunner to be the Celtics' starter who patrols the pivot. His experience during this international competition will help him to maximize that opportunity.