The EuroBasket 2025 knockout stage has kicked off with a bang, or rather, a seismic jolt, as the much-anticipated Round of 16 delivered a colossal upset that has sent tremors throughout the European basketball landscape. Predictions, as they often are in the unpredictable theater of sports, were unceremoniously torn to shreds. The grand narrative of dominant forces sailing smoothly into the quarter-finals has been spectacularly rewritten.
Finland`s Arctic Blast: Serbia Frozen Out of EuroBasket
In what can only be described as a monumental feat, Finland, spearheaded by the phenomenal Lauri Markkanen, delivered a shocking defeat to Serbia, a team widely tipped as the tournament`s overwhelming favorite. From the opening tip-off, Finland displayed an audacious confidence, building a double-digit lead early on. Markkanen, true to his burgeoning superstar status, was an unstoppable force, pouring in 29 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, dictating the tempo and challenging Serbia`s usually robust defense at every turn.
Serbia, boasting NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, found themselves surprisingly vulnerable, particularly under the basket. While Jokic valiantly tried to single-handedly rescue his team with a game-high 33 points, supported by Jovic`s 20, the collective effort seemed to falter against the determined Finns. In a critical juncture, just as Serbia appeared poised for a comeback, the relatively unsung Elias Valtonen ignited from beyond the arc, delivering clutch three-pointers that created the decisive separation. It was a cold, hard lesson for Serbia: favoritism is merely a label, not a guarantee. The final score, 92-86, will echo in the annals of EuroBasket history.
- Serbia Key Performers: Jokic 33, Jovic 20, Dobric 9
- Finland Key Performers: Markkanen 29, Jantunen 15, Valtonen 13
Beyond the Upset: Other Thrilling Round of 16 Encounters
While Finland`s triumph understandably stole the headlines, the other Round of 16 clashes provided their own unique brand of drama and high-stakes basketball.
Turkey`s Gritty Comeback Against Sweden
Turkey, a team that had already demonstrated its giant-slaying capabilities by besting Serbia in the group stage, faced an unexpected challenge from Sweden. The Swedes, seemingly impervious to Turkey`s reputation, held the lead for much of the first half, putting the Turks under immense pressure. However, coach Ataman`s squad, despite an uncharacteristically poor shooting night (just 39% from the field), showcased incredible resilience. Their defensive tenacity and relentless work on the boards ultimately turned the tide in the third quarter. Alperen Sengun was the undisputed anchor, delivering a stellar performance with 24 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists, proving that some battles are won not just with flair, but with sheer will and fundamental execution.
- Turkey Key Performers: Sengun 24, Osman 17, Osmani 14
- Sweden Key Performers: Hakanson 16, Larsson 15, Gaddefors 15
Germany`s Calculated Domination Over Portugal
Germany secured their spot in the quarter-finals with a seemingly comfortable 85-58 victory over Portugal. However, the final score belies a more competitive initial phase. Portugal, against expectations, managed to stay ahead for a significant portion of the first half, demonstrating commendable resolve. Yet, the gears shifted dramatically in the fourth quarter, where Germany unleashed an unanswerable 33-7 run, effectively extinguishing any Portuguese hopes. A key factor in Portugal`s demise was their inability to generate offense in transition, failing to score a single fast-break basket. Neemias Queta`s impressive double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds for Portugal simply wasn`t enough to withstand the combined might of Germany`s formidable trio: Wagner, Schroder, and Bonga.
- Germany Key Performers: Wagner 16, Schroder 16, Bonga 15
- Portugal Key Performers: Queta 18, Williams 8, Gameiro 7
Lithuania Triumphs in Baltic Battle Against Latvia
In a fiercely contested Baltic derby played on Latvian soil in Riga, Lithuania delivered an impeccably controlled performance to defeat their hosts 88-79. From the very first whistle, Lithuania asserted its dominance, maintaining a lead throughout the entire contest. Ignas Velicka was the architect of their early success, knocking down crucial three-pointers and ultimately earning MVP honors with an impressive 21 points and 12 assists. Latvia, despite playing at home, struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm beyond the Herculean efforts of Kristaps Porzingis, who single-handedly accounted for 34 points. A late surge by Arturs Lomazs provided a glimmer of hope, but the gap carved out by coach Kurtinaitis`s Lithuanian squad proved too wide to bridge. For Luca Banchi`s Latvian team, it was an unfortunately bitter end to their tournament journey.
- Lithuania Key Performers: Velicka 21, Tubelis 18, Sirvydis 18
- Latvia Key Performers: Porzingis 34, Lomazs 21, Smits 8
What`s Next? The Quarter-Finals Beckon
With the Round of 16 now concluded, the stage is set for an electrifying quarter-final phase. The remaining teams will vie for a coveted semi-final berth, promising more high-stakes basketball and potential upsets. Fans are eagerly anticipating the next round of clashes, including the highly anticipated encounter between Italy and Slovenia, where the dazzling Luka Doncic will undoubtedly be under the spotlight. The EuroBasket 2025 continues to prove that in basketball, as in life, nothing is ever truly certain until the final buzzer.