The EuroBasket 2025 knockout stage has barely begun, and already, the basketball world is reeling from an upset that will be etched into tournament lore. The Round of 16 delivered a potent mix of expected dominance and shocking reversals, setting a dramatic tone for what promises to be an unforgettable championship.
Finland Dethrones Serbia: The Arctic Avalanche
Pre-tournament whispers had largely crowned Serbia as the undisputed heir to the EuroBasket throne. Their roster, brimming with undeniable talent spearheaded by a certain NBA MVP, suggested a formidable, almost inevitable path to gold. Yet, as the Round of 16 unfolded, those whispers turned into gasps, then outright roars, as Finland delivered a masterclass in collective defiance, sending the presumptive champions packing.
Led by their incandescent star, Lauri Markkanen, who put on a force-of-nature performance with 29 points and 8 rebounds, Finland played with a fearlessness that belied their underdog status. They seized control early, building a double-digit lead in the opening minutes, much to the consternation of the Serbian bench. Despite Nikola Jokic`s Herculean effort of 33 points, attempting to single-handedly drag his team back into contention, it was the decisive spark from Elias Valtonen beyond the arc in the game`s crucial moments that sealed Serbia`s fate. It’s a stark reminder that in basketball, as in life, past accolades offer no guarantees against a team playing with nothing to lose.
- Serbia: Jokic 33, Jovic 20, Dobric 9
- Finland: Markkanen 29, Jantunen 15, Valtonen 13
Germany`s Late Surge Over Portugal
Meanwhile, in a contest that initially promised an unexpected nail-biter, Germany found its stride, eventually securing an 85-58 victory over Portugal. For a significant portion of the first half, Portugal bravely held its own, refusing to be intimidated by their higher-ranked opponents. However, their valiant efforts were ultimately undone by an impetuous 33-7 run by the Germans in the final quarter.
Portugal`s struggles in transition offense were particularly telling, failing to register a single fast-break point. Even the impressive double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds from Neemias Queta proved a valiant but ultimately insufficient effort to overcome the formidable German trio of Wagner, Schroder, and Bonga.
- Germany: Wagner 16, Schroder 16, Bonga 15
- Portugal: Queta 18, Williams 8, Gameiro 7
Turkey`s Gritty Victory Against Sweden
Turkey, having already registered an upset over Serbia in the group stages, managed to navigate a surprisingly tricky encounter against Sweden, emerging victorious with an 85-79 scoreline. The Turkish side, under Coach Ataman, found themselves trailing through much of the first half, struggling to convert their chances. Their shooting efficiency might have been more at home on a Monday morning practice than a EuroBasket knockout, clocking in at a modest 39% from the field.
What saved them, however, was their unwavering defensive commitment and relentless presence on the offensive glass. The man of the hour was undoubtedly Alperen Sengun, who delivered a monumental performance with 24 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists, proving himself a titan on the boards and a critical playmaker when his team needed him most.
- Turkey: Sengun 24, Osman 17, Osmani 14
- Sweden: Hakanson 16, Larsson 15, Gaddefors 15
Lithuania Dominates Latvia in Baltic Derby
The highly anticipated Baltic derby saw Lithuania put on an impeccable display, commanding their game against Latvia from tip-off to the final buzzer, concluding with an 88-79 win. Playing on home soil in Riga, Latvia, under the guidance of Coach Luca Banchi, faced a formidable Lithuanian squad that immediately took control through the sharp-shooting of Marius Valicka. Valicka was the undeniable MVP of the match, orchestrating plays and scoring with precision to tally 21 points and 12 assists.
For Latvia, despite the Herculean efforts of Kristaps Porzingis, whose 34 points shone brightly even in defeat, it was a solitary star against a cohesive constellation. A late surge from Kristers Lomazs provided a glimmer of hope, but the chasm carved by Kurtinaitis`s Lithuanians proved too vast to bridge. It marks a bitter end to Coach Banchi`s campaign with Latvia.
- Lithuania: Velicka 21, Tubelis 18, Sirvydis 18
- Latvia: Porzingis 34, Lomazs 21, Smits 8
The Road Ahead: Quarterfinals Beckon
As the dust settles on these opening skirmishes of the knockout stage, the stage is now set for a thrilling quarterfinal lineup. Among the eagerly anticipated clashes is Italy`s showdown with Slovenia, featuring the mercurial talent of Luka Dončić. The initial results have clearly demonstrated that no team can afford complacency.
This EuroBasket is proving to be a tournament where established hierarchies are challenged with exhilarating regularity. The Round of 16 has not merely separated the contenders from the pretenders; it has reshuffled the deck entirely, promising more drama and unforgettable moments as the competition intensifies.
