The highly anticipated EuroBasket 2025 has officially tipped off, and if the opening day is any indication, we are in for a thrilling tournament. As expected, the pre-tournament favorites wasted no time in asserting their dominance, setting a high bar for the competition. Early clashes saw strong contenders delivering powerful statements, leaving no doubt about their ambitions.
Serbia`s Nikola Jokic (right) during an impressive EuroBasket 2025 opening game.
Germany`s Resounding Statement in Group B
In Tampere, the **German national team** demonstrated why they are considered a top contender for the EuroBasket title. Their performance against **Montenegro** was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in a decisive 106-76 victory. It wasn`t just a win; it was a masterclass in offensive efficiency and defensive control.
The German squad, spearheaded by the dynamic duo of **Dennis Schroder** and **Franz Wagner**, collectively poured in 43 points, dismantling Montenegro`s defense with precision and athleticism. But the offensive fireworks didn`t stop there. **Andreas Obst** showcased his sharpshooting prowess, sinking an impressive 5 out of 6 attempts from beyond the arc. This kind of diversified scoring and team synergy, particularly in the third period where they effectively broke the game open, signals a formidable opponent for any team in the tournament.
Serbia and the Jokic Factor in Group A
Across the courts in Riga, **Serbia** delivered an equally emphatic statement, reminding everyone why they too are heavily tipped for the gold. They brushed aside **Estonia** with a commanding 98-64 win, a performance that truly highlighted their depth and star power.
As expected, the spotlight frequently fell on **Nikola Jokic**, the Serbian maestro. True to form, Jokic flirted with a triple-double, registering 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. His ability to control the game`s tempo, distribute with uncanny vision, and still grab crucial rebounds makes Serbia a truly terrifying prospect. The game was effectively decided by halftime, underscoring the vast gap in class and execution. Coach Pesic’s squad looks every bit the dominant force anticipated, and with Jokic orchestrating their play, their championship aspirations appear well-founded.
Other Key Matchups and Standout Performances
Group A Highlights:
- **Portugal`s Surprise Strength:** Kicking off the action, **Portugal** secured a hard-fought 62-50 victory over the **Czech Republic**. Despite a less-than-sparkling performance, Portugal maintained control, largely thanks to the sheer physical dominance of **Neemias Queta**. His impressive stat line of 23 points (73% field goal) and 18 rebounds proved crucial, practically winning the game by himself.
- **Turkey`s Masterclass Against Latvia:** The host nation **Latvia**, under coach Banchi, suffered a setback, falling 93-73 to Turkey. Turkey`s perimeter and paint game were both in exceptional form. **Cedi Osman** led with 20 points (60% from the field), complemented by a well-rounded performance from **Alperen Sengun**, who contributed 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Group B Highlights:
- **Lithuania`s Defensive Prowess:** **Lithuania** started their campaign with a solid 94-70 win against **Great Britain**. Led by **Jonas Valanciunas** (18 points, 9 rebounds), Lithuania`s defensive strategy was particularly effective, limiting the British to a mere 33% from the field and dominating the boards (57-31).
- **Finland`s Nail-Biting Victory:** In the most closely contested game of the day, **Finland** narrowly defeated **Sweden** 93-90. Utah Jazz star **Lauri Markkanen** was instrumental for Finland, matching Sweden`s **Hakanson** with 28 points apiece. Despite Hakanson`s valiant effort, Sweden ultimately missed a crucial opportunity to equalize from beyond the arc in the dying seconds.
Anticipation Builds for Italy`s Debut
As the first day concludes, all eyes now turn to **Italy**, who are set to make their EuroBasket 2025 debut. They face a challenging opening fixture against **Greece** tonight at 8:30 PM. Fans are eager to see how the Azzurri will perform against formidable opposition and if they can emulate the strong starts of their fellow European giants.
The opening day of EuroBasket 2025 has certainly lived up to the hype, delivering high-octane basketball and clear declarations of intent from the tournament favorites. With more exciting matchups on the horizon, the path to the championship promises to be a captivating journey, filled with skill, strategy, and plenty of drama. Basketball purists, rejoice – the EuroBasket is officially underway, and it’s already delivering.
