Giannis Antetokounmpo in Greek National Team uniform. Credit: Wikimedia Commons Alex Pavevski EPA via AMNA
Greece’s EuroBasket 2025 run ended Friday night in disappointment, as Turkey stormed into the championship game with a 94-68 semifinal victory.
Despite flashes of resilience, Greece trailed throughout and was unable to overcome Turkey’s blistering start. At halftime, the deficit stood at 49-31, and the gap only widened in the third quarter. Turkey led 72-51 by the beginning of the fourth quarter, leaving Greece with little room to mount a comeback. The margin swelled to as much as 26 points before the final buzzer.
The result secures Turkey’s place in Sunday’s final against Germany, who earlier defeated Finland 98-86. For Greece, the loss caps off a campaign that had raised expectations of a return to continental glory. They will now face Finland in the bronze medal match.
A difficult night on offense
From the outset, Greece struggled to find rhythm. Turkey’s defense collapsed into the paint, forcing contested shots and limiting fast-break opportunities. Giannis Antetokounmpo, expected to carry the scoring load, faced double teams and relentless pressure. While he produced bursts of offense, they were not enough to swing momentum.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo provided a highlight dunk, and Kostas Sloukas and Konstantinos “Dinos” Mitoglou chipped in scoring, but turnovers and missed free throws blunted any chance of a rally.
Turkey sets the pace
Turkey capitalized on every opening. Cedi Osman and Ercan Osmani buried crucial three-pointers in the third and fourth quarters, putting the lead beyond reach. Alperen Sengun added strength in the paint, scoring on free throws and inside baskets, while Shane Larkin orchestrated the tempo with steady playmaking.
Turkey’s lead had ballooned past 20 points by the time the fourth quarter began, effectively making a comeback nearly impossible. The Turks maintained control from the opening minutes, their advantage rarely dipping below 20 after halftime.
Pride in reaching the semifinals
Despite the result, Greece’s run to the semifinals showcased moments of strength and resilience. Wins earlier in the tournament displayed the team’s ability to grind out victories against difficult opponents, even as injuries and rotations tested depth.
The Eurobasket semifinals are set.
Germany 🇩🇪 vs. Finland 🇫🇮 (Friday, 9am CT)
Greece 🇬🇷 vs Turkey 🇹🇷 (Friday, 1pm CT)Here we go. pic.twitter.com/zZ1Yppx2xZ
— BucksRealm (@BucksRealm) September 10, 2025
For Antetokounmpo, the tournament marked another step in his international career, though the loss leaves unfinished business as Greece continues its search for a first EuroBasket title since 2005.
Rivalry and respect
The matchup carried added intensity given the long-standing sporting rivalry between Greece and Turkey. Fans of both sides filled the arena, creating a charged atmosphere that underscored the stakes.
Όλοι θέλαμε να φθάσουμε μέχρι τέλους… Αντικειμενικά, δεν μπορούσαμε, ούτε το αξίζαμε!
Ψηλά το κεφάλι! Καμία απογοήτευση! Υπάρχει ο στόχος του χάλκινου μεταλλίου! 🇬🇷🏀#GRETUR #Greece #Ελλάδα #HellasBasketball #Hellas #EuroBasket #EuroBasket2025 pic.twitter.com/NB0QrsIekB
— basket2⃣4⃣ (@basket24gr) September 12, 2025
Turkey, silver medalists in 2001, will now chase their first-ever EuroBasket gold medal. Greece, with four medals, including gold in 1987 and 2005, must settle for the bronze medal match on Sunday.
Looking ahead
Turkey will now face Germany for the EuroBasket crown. Greece, meanwhile, will reflect on lessons learned from Riga and look toward future competitions with the core of its roster still intact. The 94-68 loss stings, but Greece leaves Latvia with semifinal status secured — and a chance at redemption in the bronze medal game.