Even though the Knicks' Kristaps Porziņģis - the best-known Latvian NBA player there ever was - sat out the game due to injury, many Latvians including president Raimonds Vējonis were present at the match.
The game started with the Latvian anthem as performed by the New York Latvian Choir, and a number of activities were held throughout the game, with Knicks' caps bearing the Latvian flag, as well as the traditional pīrāgi pastries being sold at the stands.
It is estimated at least 700 Latvians watched the game in New York.
Great Latvian Heritage Night at @TheGarden w/ @nyknicks @kporzee & @Vejonis has started! New York Latvian choir performing US national anthem, Kristaps gets @LatvijaiSimts T-shirt. pic.twitter.com/vn2XXUPtL8
— Andris Teikmanis?? (@teikmanis) April 8, 2018
Kristaps Porziņģis watched the game as well, receiving a t-shirt dedicated to the Latvian centenary from president Vējonis. In his turn, Vējonis received a Knicks jersey dedicated to him along with Adidas sneakers--from the pictures it seems that Latvia's president is at least EU size 45.
Halftime Highlight ✨
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 8, 2018
The ? presents Latvian President, Raimonds Vējonis with a custom jersey and @adidas sneakers in honor of #LatvianHeritageNight pic.twitter.com/uj7KHm7Y8o
The game saw the New York Knicks failing to overcome the Milwaukee Bucks with 102:115.
