The highly anticipated EuroBasket 2025 has officially tipped off, and if the opening day is any indication, we`re in for a tournament of predictable power plays mixed with a few surprising upsets. From Riga to Tampere, Europe`s basketball elite wasted no time in making their intentions clear, with several championship contenders immediately asserting their dominance. While some perennial favorites cruised, others had to fight tooth and nail to secure their first victories, setting a compelling tone for the weeks ahead.
Powerhouses Lay Down the Gauntlet: Germany and Serbia Dominate
As the curtain rose on EuroBasket 2025, two nations widely considered to be strong contenders for the title wasted no time in demonstrating why they`re top picks. Germany, brimming with talent, delivered a resounding statement by overwhelming Montenegro with a decisive 106-76 victory. Led by the dynamic duo of Dennis Schroder and Franz Wagner, who combined for an impressive 43 points, the Germans showcased their offensive firepower and defensive solidity. Andreas Obst`s sharpshooting from beyond the arc (5/6 from three-point range) further solidified their commanding performance, leaving little doubt about their aspirations.
Not to be outdone, Serbia, featuring the incomparable Nikola Jokic, put on an equally dominant display against Estonia, securing a 98-64 win. Jokic, in typical fashion, flirted with a triple-double, notching 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, orchestrating his team`s offense with effortless precision. The game was effectively decided by halftime, highlighting Serbia`s profound depth and tactical superiority. For anyone questioning their status as a tournament favorite, this was a clear, if perhaps slightly mundane, reminder.
Group A Revelations and Reaffirmations
The action in Group A, hosted in Riga, provided a mix of expected outcomes and notable performances:
- Portugal`s Unexpected Victory: In the opening match, Portugal managed to snatch a 62-50 win against the Czech Republic. While perhaps not the flashiest start, Neemias Queta`s sheer physical dominance was the defining factor, as he powered his team with 23 points (73% field goal percentage) and 18 rebounds. A star is born, or at least re-announced.
- Turkey`s Clinical Performance: Latvia, under coach Luca Banchi, faced a tough challenge against a red-hot Turkey squad, ultimately falling 73-93. Cedi Osman`s hot hand (20 points, 60% from the field) coupled with Alperen Sengun`s all-around brilliance (16 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists) proved too much for the hosts.
- Serbia`s Predictable Rout: As mentioned, Serbia`s 98-64 triumph over Estonia was a mere formality, reinforcing their position as the team to beat in their group, if not the entire tournament.
Group B Battles and Breakthroughs
Tampere witnessed its own set of compelling matchups as Group B got underway:
- Lithuania`s Defensive Masterclass: Lithuania kicked off their campaign with a decisive 94-70 victory over Great Britain. Spearheaded by Jonas Valanciunas (18 points, 9 rebounds), the Lithuanians exhibited an exemplary defensive effort, holding the British to a mere 33% from the field and dominating the boards with a 57-31 rebound advantage.
- Germany`s Continued Ascent: Montenegro`s 76-106 defeat at the hands of Germany reiterated the latter`s formidable form. The Schroder-Wagner tandem, alongside Obst`s long-range accuracy, simply overwhelmed their opponents, leaving them little room to breathe.
- Finland Edges Sweden in Thriller: The most tightly contested game of the day saw Finland narrowly defeat Sweden 93-90. A remarkable duel unfolded between Lauri Markkanen of Finland and Ludvig Hakanson of Sweden, both scoring 28 points. Despite Hakanson`s heroics, Sweden ultimately missed a crucial tying shot from the arc in the dying seconds, allowing Finland to secure a hard-fought win.
Anticipation Builds for Italy vs. Greece
With the first day`s dust settling, all eyes now turn to a highly anticipated clash: Italy versus Greece, scheduled for later today. This promises to be a battle of wills and talent, as Italy aims to make a strong start against a formidable Greek squad. Basketball enthusiasts across Europe will be eagerly watching to see if Italy can pull off an upset or if Greece`s prowess will prove too much to handle. The tournament`s narrative is just beginning to unfold, and this match is poised to add another thrilling chapter.
Elton Marrow 
Gideon Holt