EuroBasket 2025: Group Stage Drama Unfurls as Giants Stumble and New Dynasties Emerge

As the calendar turns to September 2025, the EuroBasket group stages have intensified, delivering a riveting mix of stunning upsets, predictable dominance, and a few eyebrow-raising plot twists. With key matches concluding, four nations—Israel, Poland, Slovenia, and France—have officially punched their tickets to the highly anticipated Round of 16. The road to the knockout rounds, however, was anything but smooth, particularly for some perennial powerhouses.

The Unforeseen Tremor in Group C: Bosnia-Herzegovina Stuns Greece

The biggest headline of the afternoon emerged from Group C, where Bosnia-Herzegovina delivered a seismic shock, defeating Greece 80-77. This wasn`t merely a victory; it was a statement. The Greek squad, under the guidance of coach Spanoulis, found themselves severely handicapped by the absence of their talisman, Giannis Antetokounmpo, sidelined with a knee issue. Further compounding their woes, Larentzakis was also out due to back pain. While injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, the collective sigh from Greek fans was almost palpable. Bosnia-Herzegovina capitalized on this vulnerability, spearheaded by an exceptional performance from Jusuf Nurkic, who dominated with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Their decisive 18-0 run in the second quarter effectively flipped the script, proving that even in a future where stars like Giannis still grace the court, collective will can triumph over individual brilliance.

Group D`s Defining Moments: A Laker-Led Slovenia, Israeli Resurgence, and French Firepower

Over in Group D, the narratives were equally compelling, albeit with a more predictable outcome for the top contenders. The teams qualifying from this group—Israel, Poland, Slovenia, and France—showcased a blend of emerging talent and established dominance.

Luka`s Laker-Era Dominance

Slovenia, led by the incomparable Luka Doncic, effortlessly navigated their way through, eliminating Iceland with an 87-79 victory. Doncic, now famously referred to as the “Lakers phenomenon” (a transfer that still sends ripples through the league, even a year later), delivered a masterclass with 26 points. His presence alone seems to elevate an entire team, a testament to his unique blend of skill and court vision. The future, it seems, has a peculiar sense of humor (or perhaps just a relentlessly evolving transfer market).

Israel`s Decade-Long Return

Israel marked their triumphant return to the Round of 16 after a ten-year hiatus, defeating Belgium 92-89. This resurgence was largely fueled by the dynamic Deni Avdija, who posted an impressive 22 points, showcasing his maturity and leadership. Supported by Ginat`s 13 points, Israel proved that methodical play and emerging talent can break long droughts, much to the delight of their passionate fanbase.

French Force and Polish Resilience

In a hard-fought contest, France overcame Poland 83-76. While Poland put up a valiant effort, even trimming a 13-point deficit, they ultimately succumbed to an absolutely monstrous performance from Guerschon Yabusele, who poured in 36 points. His offensive explosion underscored France`s formidable depth and their serious intentions for the tournament. Despite the loss, Poland`s earlier results secured their progression, thanks in part to the combined 34 points from the Loyd-Ponitka duo, demonstrating their own brand of stubborn resilience.

Georgia`s Quietly Confident March

Away from the high-profile drama, Georgia secured their spot in the next phase with a dominant 91-63 victory over Cyprus. Led by the scoring prowess of Shengelia (27 points) and Bitadze (21 points), Georgia delivered a professional and efficient performance, flying somewhat under the radar but undeniably effective. Their methodical approach could make them a dark horse in the knockout stages.

What Lies Ahead: The Road to Glory

With these pivotal group stage results, the landscape for the EuroBasket Round of 16 is beginning to solidify. The upcoming final group games will now primarily determine seeding, setting the stage for some potentially explosive matchups. The blend of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and teams exceeding expectations promises an electrifying knockout phase. From the surprising tenacity of Bosnia to the consistent brilliance of a Luka Doncic now donning a new, albeit familiar, shade of purple and gold, EuroBasket 2025 is already etching its narrative into the annals of basketball history. The real tournament, as they say, has just begun.