Giannis Antetokounmpo finally added an international medal to his illustrious career as Greece defeated Finland 92-89 to claim the bronze medal at EuroBasket 2025. The man widely known as the “Nigerian Freak” delivered a stunning performance that carried his nation to its first podium finish in sixteen years, ending a drought that stretched back to the bronze-winning campaign under Vassilis Spanoulis in 2009.
The 30-year-old superstar produced a dominant display, finishing with 30 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks on an efficient 9-of-11 shooting from the field. His efforts not only secured victory in a fiercely contested game but also earned him his first medal with the national team, a milestone that now places him firmly among the all-time greats of Greek basketball.
Greece controlled much of the encounter, racing to a double-digit lead early and extending the advantage to 14 by halftime. They remained ahead by 11 points with just two minutes left, but Finland staged a dramatic late rally. Elias Valtonen converted three free throws to close the gap, and after missing the last attempt, Mikael Jantunen grabbed the rebound and attempted a potential game-tying jumper. His shot, however, failed to drop, allowing Greece to hold on in the final seconds and seal the win.
The bronze medal provided redemption for Greece after their shock semifinal defeat to Turkey ended hopes of a gold medal run. Instead of succumbing to disappointment, the team bounced back with determination, and Antetokounmpo’s leadership ensured they finished on a high note. For the NBA champion, this achievement represents more than a medal — it is the fulfillment of a long-standing dream to succeed with his national side on the international stage.
For Finland, the loss was heartbreaking but still historic. Their fourth-place finish marks their best-ever performance at EuroBasket and reflects the steady rise of the “Wolf Pack” over the past decade. Despite falling short of the podium, their campaign confirmed their status as one of Europe’s fastest-growing basketball forces.
