In a basketball spectacle that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last possession, Germany clinched the EuroBasket title, defeating a tenacious Turkey squad 88-83. This hard-fought victory not only adds a gleaming gold medal to Germany`s trophy cabinet but also cements their status as a reigning force in international basketball, coming just two years after their triumphant World Cup campaign. It seems the “Mannschaft” has developed a rather pleasant habit of winning major tournaments.
A Clash of Titans: The EuroBasket Final Unfolds
The final, a high-octane affair brimming with talent and tactical masterstrokes, saw both teams trading blows in an unrelenting exchange. From the onset, Turkey, fueled by a relentless downpour of three-pointers, launched an aggressive 13-2 run. Led by the dynamic duo of Cedi Osman and the surging Alperen Sengun, Turkey appeared to be replicating the defensive stranglehold that had previously stifled Greece in the semifinals. For a moment, the German machine seemed to sputter.
However, champions rarely crumble. Germany, under the astute guidance of their coaching staff, steadily found their rhythm. Isaac Bonga, who would later earn the Final MVP honors, began to chip away at Turkey`s lead with crucial long-range bombs. The first half evolved into a captivating shootout, with Germany`s Franz Wagner—the game`s leading scorer in the first half with 16 points—dueling fiercely with Shane Larkin. Just when Germany seemed to gain traction, Sengun ignited, dropping 7 consecutive points in just over a minute, showcasing his versatile big-man skills. Despite Turkey heading into halftime with a 46-40 lead and having forced 8 German turnovers, the shadow of Sengun`s early foul trouble (already 3 fouls) loomed large. Notably absent from Germany`s first-half offensive symphony was their star conductor, Dennis Schroder, who contributed a mere 2 points and was responsible for 3 of Germany`s 8 turnovers. A truly uncharacteristic performance from the eventual tournament MVP.
Schroder`s Resurgence: From Shadow to Spotlight
The second half, however, told a different story—a narrative of redemption and sheer will. Dennis Schroder, perhaps spurred by his subdued first-half display, emerged from the locker room with a renewed fervor. A deep three-pointer from beyond the arc served as his personal declaration, reigniting his offensive spark and bringing his precise playmaking back into focus. Turkish coach Ergin Ataman, despite Sengun`s persistent foul woes, couldn`t afford to keep his star center sidelined for long; his presence, alongside Osman, was indispensable in containing Germany`s surging offense.
The game transformed into a seesaw battle, with lead changes occurring faster than a stock market ticker on a volatile day. Germany found solidity in the paint through Johannes Thiemann and continued to benefit from Bonga`s timely triples. The tension was palpable as the clock wound down, with Germany clinging to a fragile one-point lead (84-83) in the final minute. The stage was set for a hero, or perhaps, a misstep.
In a moment that will haunt Turkish fans, Alperen Sengun, the Rockets` promising big man, missed a crucial layup under the basket. The ball then found its way into the hands of Dennis Schroder, who, with the coolness of an Arctic glacier, created space for himself from mid-range and sank two points that felt heavier than lead. Turkey`s desperate reply from beyond the arc found nothing but air, sealing their fate. Germany emerged victorious, 88-83, their strategic resilience and individual brilliance shining brightest in the dying moments.
Top Scorers in the Final:
Turkey: Alperen Sengun 28 points, Cedi Osman 23 points, Shane Larkin 13 points.
Germany: Isaac Bonga 20 points, Franz Wagner 18 points, Dennis Schroder 16 points.
A Dynasty in the Making?
With this EuroBasket triumph, Germany has not merely won a tournament; they have announced the arrival of a new era. Winning both the World Cup and EuroBasket within a two-year span is a testament to their deep talent pool, exceptional coaching, and an unyielding team spirit. Dennis Schroder`s journey from a quiet first half to a clutch performer and tournament MVP encapsulates this German team`s character: resilient, technically sound, and capable of rising to the occasion when it matters most.
Elsewhere, in the battle for bronze, Greece, spearheaded by the phenomenal Giannis Antetokounmpo, overcame Finland 92-89, denying Lauri Markkanen`s squad a miraculous comeback after a missed free throw from Miro Valtonen. While that game offered its own dose of drama, all eyes remained on Germany, who now stand atop European basketball, looking remarkably comfortable with their new, golden accessories.