The opening days of EuroBasket 2025 have already delivered a seismic shift in expectations, with two of European basketball`s powerhouses, Spain and Slovenia, suffering unexpected defeats. As the group stages commenced in Limassol and Katowice, the competition proved that reputation alone won`t secure victories. Even the most seasoned basketball pundits might need a fresh set of crystal balls after the opening salvo.
Spain`s head coach Sergio Scariolo, moments after an unexpected setback.
Group C Shocker: Spain`s Off-Night Against a Determined Georgia
In Limassol, Cyprus, the reigning champions of Europe, Spain, faced a surprising stumble right out of the gate. Sergio Scariolo’s squad, often synonymous with clinical execution and a deep roster, fell 83-69 to a tenacious Georgian team. The stat sheet tells a particularly brutal tale for the Spanish: a paltry 22% from beyond the arc (7-for-32) and a rather uncharacteristic 6-for-13 from the free-throw line. It seems even basketball dynasties are not immune to collective shooting slumps, especially when the basket seems to have a lid on it. Juancho Hernangomez led the Spanish effort with 13 points, a commendable individual performance, but ultimately insufficient to stem the Georgian tide.
Georgia, conversely, played with a remarkable blend of aggression and efficiency, building a decisive lead late in the game. Mamukelashvili spearheaded their attack with an impressive 19 points, ably supported by the `heroic` Shengelia, who chipped in 13 points despite recent injury concerns. Their victory wasn`t just an upset; it was a statement, asserting that this year`s EuroBasket might be less about established hierarchies and more about sheer competitive will.
In the other Group C fixture, Bosnia and Herzegovina demonstrated their credentials with a comfortable 91-64 victory over co-hosts Cyprus. Jusuf Nurkic, true to form, dominated the paint, contributing 18 points and 6 rebounds, signaling Bosnia`s clear intent to advance from the group.
Group D Upset: Poland Stuns Doncic`s Slovenia
Over in Katowice, Poland, the narrative of an unpredictable tournament continued to unfold with another significant upset. Slovenia, featuring one of the world`s premier talents in Luka Doncic, suffered a 105-95 defeat at the hands of the host nation, Poland. Doncic delivered a statistical masterclass, pouring in 34 points, a testament to his individual brilliance. However, basketball, as it often reminds us, is a team sport. Poland’s dynamic duo of Loyd and Ponitka combined for a staggering 55 points, showcasing a balanced offensive attack that proved too much for Slovenia.
The Polish team capitalized on a crucial 12-1 run at the start of the second half, creating a gap that Slovenia, despite Doncic`s best efforts, couldn`t close. Their perimeter defense also played a pivotal role, effectively limiting Slovenian scoring opportunities from deep and disrupting their offensive flow. This victory, fueled by the home crowd`s fervent support, sends a clear message that Poland is a force to be reckoned with, not just a host nation playing host.
Elsewhere in Group D:
- France made a powerful opening statement, dismantling Belgium 94-62. The French squad showcased their depth, with every player registering points, and Bilal Coulibaly and Okobo each contributing 12 points. This emphatic win firmly establishes France as a top contender.
- Israel secured a hard-fought 83-71 victory over Iceland. After a close first half (36-32), Israel pulled away with a decisive 15-2 run, demonstrating their ability to close out games effectively.
The Unpredictable Road Ahead
Day 2 of EuroBasket 2025 has provided an exhilarating preview of what promises to be a highly competitive tournament. The defeats of Spain and Slovenia serve as a potent reminder that in modern international basketball, the margin for error is razor-thin, and no victory is guaranteed. As teams adjust and strategies evolve, fans can anticipate more enthralling matchups and potentially, more surprises. The road to the championship is long and winding, and these early upsets have only just begun to sketch its unpredictable contours. It seems the scriptwriters for this tournament have decided to throw out the rulebook, much to the delight of neutral observers.
