Nikola Jokic, Serbia An upset Lauri Markanen, Finland

Finland produced the biggest shock Eurobasket 2025, maybe even a century, Knozing Favorites for the tournament Serbia 92-86 in color 16 in Arena Riga on Saturday. Star Denver Nuggets Star Nikola JokicSending a three-way NBA MVP early for the second tournament in a row.

This is the first victory of Finland since 2009. since 2009. years, abolishing rubbing of laundry in eight games and fastening the performances backwards for the first time in its history. For Serbia, it was Deja Vu after he also fell in a circle of 16. in 2022. against Italy.

Finland turned fired, race up to 11-1 lead and finished the first quarter of 16-5. Serbia returned to bind the match at 28-28 in the second quarter and crossed the front of 48-44, with Jokic points, 16 in the afternoon. But Finns refused to bend, holding the evaluation and enters the final quarter with the advantages of 68-66.

The game swung back and forth in the last 10 minutes. Serbia started the driver to run 77-75 with the left under five minutes, but Elias Valtonen has converted the contest with exceptional adjustment. Valtenten scored 8 of her 13 points in the last two minutes, including two triple and instructions, putting Finland on an increase in 87-81 with 53 seconds to play.

Utah Jazz forward Lauri MarkanenFinland Star and one of the best tournament shooters, anchored team with 29 points, 7-8 jumps, 3 assists and 3-4 steals, depending on the source. Mikael Jantunen added 15 points, while 19-year-old Miro is a little impressed with 13 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. A total of four Finns were achieved in double figures.

On the Serbian side, Jokić fitted to 9-13 fields from the field and 14-19 in a line of free throw, adding 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. Nikola Jović was the only other Serbian in double figures, ends with 20 points along with 4 rebounds. Ognjen Dobric was cut in 9 points and 5 plates, while Vasilije Micic has 8 points and 4 assists.

Statistically, Finland, which is transmitted by dominion, has proven crucial. They grabbed 20 offensive jumps, repeatedly punishing Serbia after missed shots. On the other hand, Serbia struggled from a long range, turning only 29 percent of their tries in three points.

The loss extends the drought of Serbia for the title of EuroBasket, which comes from 2001. year. Jokic, despite his individual shine, remains without a medal in the competition. For many Serbian fans, the result sets doubts in whether the golden chance of the nation for glory with their NBA superstery slipped.

Finland is advancing to face French’s winner against Georgia in the quarterfinal. Lithuania, Turkey, and Germany is already throughAnd now Markanen and the company Jure the best Eurobasket finish in Finnish history.