Sport

The Big Winners and Losers of EuroBasket 2025: A Thrilling Showdown

2025-09-15

Author: Liam

The EuroBasket 2025 tournament has concluded with Germany clinching the championship, narrowly defeating Turkey 88-83 in a nail-biting final.

While NBA stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, and Nikola Jokić shone, it was veteran Dennis Schröder who claimed the prestigious MVP award, proving that experience still holds weight in international play.

The Stars that Sparkled: Winners and Losers Unveiled
Loser: Nikola Jokić

Despite solid averages of 22.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, Nikola Jokić faced criticism after Serbia's disappointing round-of-16 exit. With expectations soaring high following their bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics, Serbia was favored to win it all. However, injuries and defensive lapses hindered their performance, leading fans to question Jokić's potential to secure major FIBA gold.

Winner: Luka Dončić

In contrast, Luka Dončić proved his mettle with an explosive average of 34.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 7.1 assists. His aggressive play style helped Slovenia edge through the tournament, showcasing his defensive skills, which had previously been scrutinized. This revamped "Skinny Luka" is certainly one to keep an eye on as the NBA season approaches.

Loser: Spain's Decline

Once the titan of international basketball, Spain now faces tough reality as they failed to even escape the group stage at EuroBasket 2025. With retired legends like the Gasol brothers and Ricky Rubio, the current lineup struggles to maintain the country's proud legacy, leaving fans uneasy about the future of Spanish basketball.

Winner: Miikka Muurinen's Breakout

18-year-old Miikka Muurinen emerged as a breakout star, dazzling audiences with spectacular performances. Averaging strong shooting numbers and making impactful plays, this young forward has caught the attention of NBA scouts and fans alike, raising anticipation for his future in the sport.

Loser: France's Missed Opportunity

France, fresh from a silver medal at the previous Olympics, faced a disappointing early exit from EuroBasket. With key players missing, including the highly-touted Victor Wembanyama, their inability to capitalize on their talent signals the need for a reassessment ahead of future international competitions.

Winner: Giannis Antetokounmpo's Strong Show

Giannis may not have secured gold, but his performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of impressive. He led his Greek team to bronze, averaging 27.3 points and demonstrating his dominance on the court, proving once again why he is a force to be reckoned with.

Winner: Alperen Şengün Shines

Alperen Şengün solidified his status as an international rising star by leading Turkey to a silver medal and displaying exceptional skill with an average of 21.6 points per game. His combination of scoring and playmaking suggests he is ready to take his talents to the next level in the NBA.

Germany: The New Powerhouse

Finally, Germany's impressive tournament run confirms their status as a world basketball powerhouse. With talents like Franz Wagner and Dennis Schröder leading the charge, Germany has firmly established itself on the international stage, showcasing a bright future ahead.