The EuroBasket 2025 group stage has concluded for Groups A and B, delivering a spectacle of high-stakes basketball, dramatic finishes, and a few unexpected twists. As the dust settled, two nations emerged with perfect records, while one team etched its name into the history books with a groundbreaking qualification. Others, despite valiant efforts, saw their championship dreams cut short in the crucible of continental competition.
Group A: Turkey`s Ascent, Portugal`s Historic Breakthrough
Group A delivered a captivating narrative, culminating in a thrilling showdown for top honors. The much-anticipated clash between Turkey and Serbia lived up to its billing, with Turkey securing a narrow 95-90 victory. This particular encounter was billed as a battle of titans in the paint, featuring the formidable Nikola Jokic for Serbia and the rising star Alperen Sengun for Turkey. In a performance that will undoubtedly be remembered, Sengun edged out the two-time NBA MVP, delivering a sensational 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists. His decisive free throws in the dying seconds, followed by a crucial defensive stop, sealed Turkey`s perfect 5-0 record and the top spot in the group. It was a statement win, signaling Turkey`s serious intentions in this tournament.
Meanwhile, the story of the group also featured an unprecedented achievement. Portugal, against long odds, secured their first-ever qualification for the EuroBasket knockout stages. Their 68-65 comeback victory against Estonia was nothing short of miraculous, fueled by a clutch, long-range three-pointer from Lisboa and a moment of defensive brilliance from Queiroz. It`s a testament to perseverance and tactical execution, proving that heart can often outmaneuver heft on the international stage.
Latvia, powered by a combined 40 points from the dynamic Bertans brothers, comfortably dispatched the Czech Republic with a dominant 109-75 victory, securing their progression. While Estonia and the Czech Republic fought hard, their journeys in EuroBasket 2025 came to an end in Riga.
Group A Standings:
- Turkey (5-0) – Qualified
- Serbia (4-1) – Qualified
- Latvia (3-2) – Qualified
- Portugal (2-3) – Qualified
- Estonia (1-4) – Eliminated
- Czech Republic (0-5) – Eliminated
Group B: Germany`s Unblemished Run and Montenegro`s Hard Luck
Over in Group B, Germany made an emphatic statement, steamrolling through their opponents with an immaculate 5-0 record. Their dominant 91-61 triumph over Finland, highlighted by a stellar 23-point, 7-rebound performance from Franz Wagner, solidified their position as a formidable contender for the title. Such a commanding group stage performance sends a clear message to the rest of the competition: Germany means business.
The group also witnessed the bittersweet exit of Montenegro. Despite a monumental 31-point, 11-rebound, 7-assist effort from their talismanic center, Nikola Vucevic, Montenegro suffered an 83-89 defeat against Great Britain. This unexpected loss proved fatal, costing them a spot in the knockout rounds. It`s a stark reminder that in basketball, even individual brilliance isn`t always enough against a determined team performance. One might even say, with a touch of irony, that sometimes the “point of pride” for an opponent can inadvertently become the “point of no return” for a hopeful contender.
In a twist of fate often seen in tournament play, Sweden, despite a narrow 71-74 loss to Lithuania (led by Jonas Valanciunas), managed to qualify for the round of 16. Their advancement came down to superior point differential over Montenegro, underscoring the razor-thin margins that define success and failure at this elite level. Lithuania and Finland also successfully navigated the group stage, ensuring their presence in the next phase of the tournament.
Group B Standings:
- Germany (5-0) – Qualified
- Lithuania (4-1) – Qualified
- Finland (3-2) – Qualified
- Sweden (1-4) – Qualified
- Montenegro (1-4) – Eliminated
- Great Britain (1-4) – Eliminated
The Road Ahead: Knockout Stage Beckons
With Groups A and B now finalized, the qualified teams brace themselves for the unforgiving knockout stage. The perfect runs of Turkey and Germany set them up as formidable threats, while the unexpected success of Portugal and Sweden adds an element of underdog charm. As EuroBasket 2025 progresses, fans can anticipate even greater drama, more heroic performances, and the relentless pursuit of continental glory. The journey has been thrilling, and the destination promises to be even more so.