In the unpredictable arena of international basketball, narratives are often written long before the first whistle blows. Serbia, a nation synonymous with basketball excellence, entered EuroBasket 2025 draped in the heavy cloak of favoritism. Their roster, featuring the reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokić, exuded confidence, promising a deep run, perhaps even the coveted trophy. Yet, on a Saturday that will be etched into EuroBasket lore, the script was unceremoniously torn up by an unyielding Finnish squad, spearheaded by their own NBA luminary, Lauri Markkanen.
The Battle of Expectations vs. Resilience
The Round of 16 was meant to be a mere stepping stone for Serbia. With Jokić delivering a performance true to his MVP status—a staggering 33 points, eight rebounds, and efficient shooting—and Miami Heat forward Nikola Jović adding a solid 20 points, the Serbian powerhouse had its stars shining. However, basketball, unlike some individual pursuits, demands a collective effort. The absence of national team veteran Bogdan Bogdanović, sidelined by a hamstring injury, cast a long shadow, highlighting a concerning lack of depth that would prove critical. Beyond their two leading scorers, the rest of the Serbian team managed a mere 33 points on a struggling 31.4% shooting.
Conversely, Finland arrived not as a favorite, but as a unit galvanized by belief. From the opening tip, they demonstrated an intent that belied their underdog status, swiftly establishing a double-digit lead. Serbia, as expected, battled back, even briefly seizing a six-point advantage in the second half. But this Finnish team, far from folding, merely tightened their resolve.
Markkanen`s Magnum Opus and Valtonen`s Clutch Contributions
The game evolved into a thrilling tug-of-war, featuring 15 lead changes and eight ties—a testament to Finland’s refusal to surrender. In the final ninety seconds, with the game hanging precariously, Elias Valtonen emerged from the collective effort to deliver two pivotal plays: a crucial putback and a timely 3-pointer, providing Finland with a much-needed cushion. Lauri Markkanen then calmly sealed the victory from the free-throw line, confirming the unthinkable.
“Amazing night. What can I say. We just believed in each other today and just made it happen,” Valtonen reflected, underscoring the profound team spirit that propelled Finland forward. “You have to shoot the ball when you are open. A couple of looks came to me, they left me open, so I just stepped up and shot with confidence.”
Markkanen, arguably the finest Finnish basketball player to grace the international stage and the only NBA All-Star from his nation, delivered a performance for the ages. With 29 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and three steals, he demonstrated precisely why the Utah Jazz have so steadfastly built their future around him. This performance was not merely statistics; it was a declaration. For a player who has yet to experience the NBA playoffs in his eight-year career, this EuroBasket triumph became a profoundly significant milestone, showcasing his capacity to lead on the grandest stage.
Serbia`s Recurring Narrative and Finland`s New Horizon
For Serbia, this upset marked another chapter in a somewhat unfortunate saga of near-misses and heartbreaking exits from major tournaments. Despite possessing immense talent and frequently reaching finals—the 2014 World Cup, 2016 Olympics, EuroBasket 2017, and the 2023 World Cup—the ultimate prize has consistently eluded them. The memory of blowing a 17-point lead against the United States in the 2024 Paris Olympics semifinals, settling for bronze, still lingers. This latest early exit, despite the presence of a generational talent like Jokić, adds another layer of poignant irony to their international tournament history. One begins to wonder if a new psychological barrier emerges each time they approach the summit.
Finland, on the other hand, shattered historical expectations. Their highest previous finish at EuroBasket was sixth, achieved way back in 1967 when they hosted the competition. This victory propels them into uncharted territory, offering a legitimate shot at reaching the Final Four—a feat that would undoubtedly require another monumental effort in the quarterfinals against either France or Georgia.
The Finnish triumph serves as a compelling reminder that in sports, reputation and individual accolades, while formidable, are not insurmountable. The collective will, strategic execution, and the unwavering belief of an underdog can, against all odds, redefine what is possible. It was a day where the favored fell, the resilient rose, and EuroBasket 2025 gained an instant classic, proving that the most compelling stories are often those entirely unscripted.
