Lauri Markanen reacts to Finland “unrealistically” upset with Serbia

Serbian Eurobasket 2025 Dreams collapsed in Riga, where Finland shocked favorites with 92-86 win in color 16 on Saturday. The result completed the campaign of Nikola Jokić early for the second consecutive tournament and launched Finland in quarterfinals at another time in its history.

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markanen Led Finland With 29 points, adding 8 jumps, 3 assists and steals while shooting 12-from 13 of the free throw line.

“Unreal”, Markanen said after the game. “Great performance team. We needed every tonight, everyone on stalls, players. We’re greatly credited, but we’ll enjoy it. Apparently it’s the hell that we just begged.”

Utah Jazz and Finland Zvezda Lauri Markanen admitted that it was an unreal feeling, saying it was one of the biggest career victories 🗣🇫🇮 # Eurobasket

Read more: https://t.co/ol0mkr02bh pic.twitter.com/dvjte8lpm

– BasketNews (@ BasketNevs_com) 6. September 2025

It was the first victory of Finland around Serbia since 2009. year, piercing the edge of eight games and was the nation of the first two-four-party quarter-assigned orders. For Serbia, it was a painful repetition of their circle of 16. Elimination in Italy in 2022. Years.

Finland opened the game with 11-1 runs and LEDs 16-5 after the first quarter. Serbia replied, binding the match at 28-28 and entries forward forward 48-44, with Jokić achieved 16 points in the opening. Finns were dealing back in the third, they take advantage of 68-66.

The fourth quarter turned into a thriller. Serbia increased 77-75 with 6-0 driver, but Elias Walten submitted crucial setup, scoring 8 of their 13 points in the last two minutes. Its two three times and instructions were pushed by Finland to 87-81 lead with less than minutes. Attempting to return Serbia failed despite Jokic, which hit the late triple pointer.

Finland grabbed 20 offensive plates, repeatedly extending the property and punishment of the defense of Serbia. Four Finland players were achieved in double figures, including Markanene (29), Mikael Jantunen (15), Valtonen (13) and 19-year-old Miro Miro (13 points, 8 rebounds, 6 helps, 3 steals).

Serbia strongly leaned to Jokić, which published 33 points and 14-19 years, with 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. Nikola Jovic contributed 20 points, while no other Serbian reached double figures. Of the deep, the Serbian side never found their rhythm, ends only 29 percent of three.

Finland now expects the winner of France against Georgia in the quarterfinal, with a chance to provide the best goal in the history of basketball in the country.