EuroBasket 2017 started on Thursday with the first of three New York Knicks participating: Mindaugas Kuzminskas (Lithuania). Willy Hernangomez (Spain) and Kristaps Porzingis (Latvia) play on Friday.
Despite Lithuania dropping their opener – an upset to Georgia – Kuzminskas had 18 points, seven rebounds, one steal, and one assist. It wasn’t his fault. Kuz’s teammate – Toronto Raptors star center Jonas Valanciunas – had nine points to go along with nine rebounds.
Georgia won in a highly competitive game, 79-77, behind 29 points from ex-Brooklyn Net Tornike Shengelia. Lithuania’s next game is on Saturday against Israel at 2:30 p.