Greece triumphed over Finland to secure the bronze medal at EuroBasket, controlling the match almost entirely before a tense finish. The Finnish team fought valiantly, leaving a lasting impression despite falling short of a medal this time; their efforts promise a bright future for Finnish basketball.
Match Summary
The game began hesitantly, with neither team scoring for more than two minutes. It quickly became apparent that the first team to find its rhythm would gain a crucial advantage. Greece seized that opportunity, firing on all cylinders.
Tyler Dorsey and Giannis Antetokounmpo led the charge, showcasing their skills and propelling Greece into the lead. Antetokounmpo delivered a spectacular block and executed a powerful dunk, making clear that he was looking for redemption after a lackluster performance against Turkey. By the end of the first quarter, Greece had jumped ahead by nine points.
Despite a promising start in the second quarter from Miika Muurinen, who made an impressive entry, Greece’s dominance returned quickly. They ended the quarter on an 8-0 run, stretching the lead to 48-34 at halftime, marking the largest margin of the game.
Decisive Moments
Unfortunately for suspense, the pattern continued in the second half. Finland attempted to close the gap, but Greece consistently found a way to extend its lead back to around ten points. The Greeks showcased superior strength and efficiency, particularly in rebounding.
Antetokounmpo put the game on ice with a momentum-shifting basket and interception, lifting Greece’s lead above 15 points. However, an unexpected late rally from Finland nearly turned the tide, narrowing the margin to just one point with a chance to tie. Valtonen’s missed free throw followed by Jantunen’s near miss kept the door ajar for Greece, which they ultimately closed with Antetokounmpo’s steadiness at the line.
Wrapping up a stellar tournament, Antetokounmpo finished with an impressive 30 points (going 9 for 11 shooting), 17 rebounds, and 6 assists. This victory secured Greece its first podium finish at an international competition since 2009.
Looking Ahead
Finland concluded the tournament in fourth place; however, they can hold their heads high after an inspiring journey. Their remarkable upset over Serbia, the emergence of Miika Muurinen, and the brilliance of Lauri Markkanen contribute to a promising future for Finnish basketball.
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