Riga, Latvia – The EuroBasket tournament`s Round of 16 served up a Saturday that defied expectations, proving once again that in the unpredictable world of basketball, reputation is merely a suggestion, not a guarantee. While several favorites battled through, the headlines were unequivocally stolen by a monumental upset that saw Finland, the perennial underdog, send the formidable Serbian squad, complete with two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, packing earlier than anticipated.
Finland`s Unforeseen Triumph: A Masterclass in Grit
Entering the tournament, Serbia, boasting the reigning NBA Finals MVP in Jokic, was widely tipped as a contender for gold. Their path through the group stage was largely dominant, a display of power and precision that seemed to confirm their status. Then came Finland, a team respected for its spirit but not typically feared by basketball titans. What unfolded was a narrative ripped straight from a sports film script.
From the opening whistle, Finland displayed an intensity that caught Serbia off guard, racing to an 11-1 lead. It was a statement of intent, a whisper of the storm to come. While Serbia, led by Jokic`s impressive 33 points, clawed their way back, the Finns refused to yield. The game remained a tight, bruising affair, culminating in a dramatic fourth quarter.
With just two minutes remaining and Serbia holding a precarious 77-75 lead, the moment belonged to Elias Valtonen. A clutch three-pointer propelled Finland ahead 82-78. Not content with that, he followed up with a critical tip-in and another trey, effectively sealing Serbia`s fate. Jokic, ever the fighter, sank a deep three with 16 seconds left to bring his team within five, but the Finns calmly managed the clock, securing a historic 92-86 victory.
The aftermath was telling. Nikola Jokic, usually composed, articulated his team`s shortcomings with a blunt assessment:
“They played a great game. From the start we didn`t come ready… I just wasn`t ready from the jump.”
He further highlighted Finland`s relentless pursuit of the ball, particularly their 20 offensive rebounds, labeling it “just unacceptable.” It was a stark reminder that individual brilliance, while formidable, cannot compensate for a collective lack of readiness and defensive tenacity. For Finland, it marked their first victory over Serbia since 2009, and for Serbia, it was a bitter repetition of a Round of 16 exit for the second consecutive tournament. A tough pill to swallow for a team with such grand ambitions.
Elsewhere on the Hardwood: Giants Hold and Struggle
While Finland`s upset dominated conversations, other nations also battled fiercely to secure their quarterfinal berths:
Turkey`s Rising Star Shines
Turkey fended off a determined Sweden with an 85-79 victory, largely thanks to a phenomenal performance from NBA All-Star Alperen Sengun. The Houston Rockets forward delivered a stat line of 24 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists, showcasing why he`s considered one of Europe`s brightest talents. Sweden, led by Ludvig Hakanson, threatened a comeback, even leveling the score at 76-76 late in the game, but Turkey held firm, ensuring their progression.
Germany`s Gritty Progress Despite Airballs
Germany, one of the World Cup winners, found themselves in an unexpected struggle against Portugal. Despite a combined 0-for-11 from three-point range from key players Dennis Schroder and Franz Wagner (and an abysmal 1-for-18 from beyond the arc in the first half for the team), they eventually pulled away for an 85-58 win. One might say they proved that sometimes, even when your shots are consistently challenging the upper atmosphere, sheer will and strong defense can still secure a victory. Portugal’s Neemias Queta, with 18 points and 11 rebounds, was a formidable presence, but ultimately couldn`t halt the German machine.
Lithuania`s Steady Hand in Riga
In a contest against co-host Latvia in Riga, Lithuania maintained their composure to secure an 88-79 win. Arnas Velicka was instrumental for the three-time champions, contributing 21 points and 12 assists, skillfully orchestrating their offense and quelling any late comeback attempts from the Latvians, demonstrating their experience under pressure.
The Road Ahead: Quarterfinals Beckon
With Saturday`s results firmly etched into the tournament`s history, the stage is set for an exhilarating quarterfinal round, commencing on Tuesday. Finland will now face the winner of the France-Georgia clash, a testament to their incredible journey. Other anticipated matchups, contingent on Sunday`s remaining Round of 16 games, include:
- Turkey vs. Poland or Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Germany vs. Italy or Slovenia (with the electrifying Luka Dončić)
- Lithuania vs. Greece or Israel
The eliminations have already included some high-profile casualties, with defending champion Spain having been ousted by Giannis Antetokounmpo`s Greece in the group stage, reminding everyone that in EuroBasket, no team is truly safe. As the competition narrows, the intensity will only escalate, promising more unpredictable moments and thrilling basketball as teams vie for the coveted EuroBasket title.
