Group A: Turkey Claims Top Spot in a Clash of Titans
Group A provided a fitting climax, culminating in a highly anticipated showdown between Turkey and Serbia. In a contest billed as a potential preview of later rounds, Turkey emerged victorious with a 95-90 win, seizing the coveted first-place seed. The battle beneath the rim between two NBA giants, Serbia’s Nikola Jokic and Turkey’s Alperen Sengun, was nothing short of spectacular.
Sengun`s Masterclass Overshadows Jokic
While Jokic delivered his usual symphony of passes and points, it was Sengun who orchestrated Turkey`s triumph. The Rockets` center put on a dominant display, notching 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists. His composure under pressure was evident as he sank crucial free throws to secure the lead and then sealed the game with a pivotal defensive play in the dying seconds. A performance that emphatically announced his arrival among Europe`s elite.
Elsewhere in Group A, history was made by Portugal, who, for the first time ever, advanced to the EuroBasket Round of 16. Their hard-fought 68-65 comeback victory over Estonia was a testament to grit, sealed by a prodigious three-pointer from Lisboa and a cunning defensive maneuver by Queiroz. Latvia also asserted their dominance, led by the sharpshooting Bertans brothers, who combined for an astounding 40 points in a decisive 109-75 rout of the Czech Republic.
Group A Standings (Qualified teams in bold):
- Turkey (5-0)
- Serbia (4-1)
- Latvia (3-2)
- Portugal (2-3)
- Estonia (1-4, Eliminated)
- Czech Republic (0-5, Eliminated)
Group B: Germany`s Unblemished Run and Montenegro`s Hard Luck
Over in Group B, the narrative was equally dramatic. Germany continued its imperious march through the tournament, completing a perfect 5-0 record by dismantling Finland 91-61. Their unyielding defense and efficient offense have stamped them as a genuine contender, with Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner leading the charge.
Wagner`s Rise and Germany`s Dominance
Franz Wagner once again showcased why he`s considered one of Europe`s brightest talents, contributing 23 points and 7 rebounds against Finland. His consistent high-level play has been a cornerstone of Germany`s flawless performance, signaling their intent to challenge for the championship.
The group also witnessed a significant upset as Montenegro, despite an absolutely colossal effort from their star center Nikola Vucevic, failed to qualify. Vucevic posted a monumental 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists against Great Britain, but his individual brilliance wasn`t enough to prevent an 83-89 defeat. A poignant reminder that basketball remains a team sport, even when one player seems capable of single-handedly winning games.
Meanwhile, Sweden managed to snatch a qualification spot from the jaws of elimination. Despite a narrow 71-74 loss to Lithuania (led by Valanciunas), Sweden`s superior point differential allowed them to leapfrog Montenegro into the Round of 16. Great Britain, despite their victory over Montenegro, and also finishing with a 1-4 record, found themselves on the wrong side of tie-breakers and were eliminated.
Group B Standings (Qualified teams in bold):
- Germany (5-0)
- Lithuania (4-1)
- Finland (3-2)
- Sweden (1-4)
- Montenegro (1-4, Eliminated)
- Great Britain (1-4, Eliminated)
What Lies Ahead: The Path to Glory
With the group stages now firmly behind us, the stage is perfectly set for the EuroBasket 2025 knockout rounds. The flawless records of Germany and Turkey hint at deep runs, while the individual heroics of players like Sengun, Wagner, and the Bertans brothers suggest that talent will undoubtedly shine through. The unexpected qualifications of Portugal and Sweden add an exciting underdog element, promising more captivating basketball as the tournament progresses.
