EuroBasket 2025 just gave us one of the most unforgettable nights in recent basketball history. Two semifinals. Two countries breaking barriers. Two nations now standing one win away from European glory.
And the storylines? Absolutely wild.
Turkey’s Resurrection: From 2001 to 2025
Let’s start with Turkey. The last time they made the EuroBasket final was 2001, when Hedo Türkoğlu and Mehmet Okur were household names and Pau Gasol was still just an exciting prospect. That was over two decades ago. Since then, Turkish basketball has seen its share of flashes — Ersan İlyasova’s NBA career, Cedi Osman’s Euro runs, the emergence of Furkan Korkmaz — but no true breakthrough.
Enter Alperen Şengün.
The Houston Rockets big man has been playing like a superstar all tournament long, but against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece? He looked unreal. Turkey didn’t just beat Greece — they obliterated them, 98–64. That’s a 34-point beatdown of a team featuring one of the NBA’s best players.
Şengün orchestrated the offense like a mini-Jokić, finishing plays, creating shots for teammates, and outsmarting a Greek defense that simply had no answers. But it wasn’t just him. Turkey’s role players came in waves: tough defense, timely shooting, relentless rebounding.
For Turkish fans, this isn’t just a win. It’s a rebirth. A reminder that their nation can still swing with Europe’s giants.
Giannis and Greece: What Went Wrong?
For Greece, this one stings. Giannis played with his usual motor, but the spacing around him was a disaster. Too often he was swarmed by double-teams and had nowhere to go. The outside shooting just wasn’t there, and once Turkey built momentum, it was over.
This result leaves Greece with big questions: How do you maximize Giannis in international play? Do they have enough guard talent to compete with elite teams? Right now, the answer is no.
Dennis Schröder’s Masterclass
On the other side of the bracket, Germany kept rolling.
Dennis Schröder put on an absolute show against Finland: 26 points, 5 rebounds, 12 assists. He controlled the game from start to finish, pushing tempo when needed and slowing it down when Germany needed a bucket.
Germany won 98–86, but the score doesn’t quite capture just how in control they looked. Every time Finland made a push, Schröder or Franz Wagner answered. Germany’s depth continues to be one of their biggest strengths. They don’t rely on one guy; they trust each other and it shows.
This is a continuation of what’s becoming a golden era for German hoops. After winning the FIBA World Cup in 2023, Germany now has the chance to add a EuroBasket crown to their résumé.
A Clash of Styles in the Final
So what does the final look like?
- Germany brings pace, guard play, and shooting. Schröder, Wagner, Theis, Voigtmann — it’s a balanced squad with experience and chemistry.
- Turkey brings bruising size, interior skill, and swagger. Şengün’s presence in the paint changes everything, and their physical style has given teams nightmares.
It’s finesse vs power. Guard play vs big-man dominance. A country looking to cement a dynasty vs a nation hungry for redemption.
And here’s the kicker: this is Turkey’s first EuroBasket final since 2001, and Germany’s first since 2005. No matter what happens, history will be made.
Legacy Games
For Şengün, this is a chance to stamp himself as one of the premier international players of this generation. If he leads Turkey to gold, his legend back home will be untouchable.
For Schröder, this is a legacy capstone. He’s already won World Cup MVP. Adding EuroBasket glory would make him one of the most decorated European guards of all time.
The Stakes
Sunday’s final isn’t just a game — it’s a cultural moment. Turkey wants to relive 2001 and finally capture the title they couldn’t back then. Germany wants to prove their World Cup wasn’t a fluke and that they’re the best basketball nation in Europe right now.
One of them will walk away as champions. The other will walk away with heartbreak.
EuroBasket has always been about pride, grit, and history. This final has all three in spades.
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