RIGA, Latvia – In a heart-stopping finale that went down to the wire, Germany is once again atop the European basketball world. The German national team dethroned a tenacious Turkish squad with an 83-88 victory on Sunday to win EuroBasket 2025, capturing their first European championship since 1993 and snapping a 32-year drought.
The victory, sealed in the Latvian capital of Riga, was a testament to German resilience. For the majority of the high-stakes match, Germany was forced to play catch-up against a Turkish team that came out with explosive energy. However, rallying behind their captain and tournament MVP, Dennis Schröder, Germany scored the final six points of the game in the closing minute to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
The win marks Germany’s second-ever European title, cementing their status as a reborn basketball powerhouse following their FIBA Basketball World Cup triumph in 2023.
A Rollercoaster of a Final
From the opening tip-off, Turkey, under the guidance of coach Ergin Ataman, executed their game plan to perfection. They stormed to an early 13-2 run, stunning the German side. However, Germany methodically chipped away at the lead, with Franz Wagner and Isaac Bonga providing crucial baskets to close the first quarter narrowly ahead at 22-24.
The second quarter belonged to Turkey, as they reclaimed control with a dominant inside presence and sharpshooting from the perimeter. The first half ended 46-40 in favor of the “12 Giant Men,” setting the stage for a tense second half.
The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair characterized by aggressive offenses from both sides. Turkey’s NBA star, Alperen Şengün, made his presence felt in the paint, while Cedi Osman’s three-pointer extended their lead to six points. Just as Turkey seemed to be pulling away, Germany answered with a run of their own, showcasing the offensive firepower that made them the tournament’s highest-scoring team. The quarter ended with Turkey clinging to a slender 67-66 lead.
A Dramatic Finale
The fourth quarter lived up to its billing as a classic. The lead changed hands multiple times, with every possession carrying immense weight. Turkey’s Shane Larkin recorded a crucial double-double, and with just under four minutes remaining, Turkey held a 76-74 advantage.
The momentum seemed to be with Turkey when Larkin’s free throws put them ahead 81-79 with just two minutes left on the clock. But in the game’s defining moments, Germany’s experience and composure shone through. A clutch three-pointer from Isaac Bonga swung the lead back to Germany, and with the score tight, their defense locked down, forcing critical stops.
In the final 30 seconds, Captain Dennis Schröder took over, orchestrating the offense and icing the game from the free-throw line to seal the 88-83 victory.
National Elation
The triumph sparked celebrations across Germany. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took to social media to praise the team’s “sensational performance.”
“We are proud of you,” Merz wrote on X. “You are an inspiration for young female and male athletes.”
For Turkey, the loss was a crushing end to a brilliant tournament. Despite the silver medal, their performance, led by Şengün, Osman, and Larkin, signaled their return as a force in international basketball.
For Germany, the victory is the culmination of a years-long project, proving that their World Cup win was no fluke. Led by the veteran leadership of Schröder and the dynamic talents of the Wagner brothers, Germany has firmly re-established itself on the global basketball map, crowned once again as the champions of Europe.