EuroBasket 2025: Germany are kings of Europe again. In Riga on September 14, 2025, the world champions edged Turkey 88–83 to claim their first EuroBasket crown since 1993, finishing a perfect 9–0 run through the tournament. The game swung back and forth all night—packed with double-digit lead changes and constant ties—before Dennis Schröder seized control in the final minute and Isaac Bonga supplied the timely scoring that kept Germany within striking distance.
A final decided in the last 75 seconds
This was a true heavyweight final: neither side could build separation for long, and the third quarter only raised the temperature. With 1:15 remaining and Germany trailing by one, Schröder attacked off the dribble for the go-ahead layup. On the next critical trip, he rose from mid-range and buried a jumper with under 20 seconds left. After Turkey’s last good look from deep spun out, Schröder iced it at the line. Six straight points, all under the brightest lights—that’s how Germany slammed the door.
Star turns that told the story
- Dennis Schröder: 16 points, 12 assists, and complete command of crunch time. His poise and shot creation earned him EuroBasket 2025 MVP honors.
- Isaac Bonga: Germany’s top scorer in the final with 20 points, plus the energy plays—cuts, spot-ups, and an offensive rebound late—that swung momentum.
- Franz Wagner: 18 points, steady two-way presence, and a handful of possessions where his size and handle broke Turkey’s half-court coverage.
- Turkey’s trio: Alperen Şengün (28) powered the paint with touch and footwork, Cedi Osman (23) knocked down pressure jumpers, and Shane Larkin (13 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds) constantly bent the defense in pick-and-roll.
Why Germany edged it
- Late-game execution: Germany ran clean two-man actions, kept the floor spaced, and trusted Schröder to pick the right read—drive, pull-up, or kick.
- Wing depth and size: Bonga’s length on the perimeter, plus Wagner’s physicality, helped Germany survive Turkey’s shot-making runs and close out defensive stops.
- Second-chance edges at key moments: Germany didn’t dominate the glass overall, but they won a couple of pivotal loose-ball and put-back sequences when it mattered.
Turkey’s silver is a statement
Turkey matched Germany’s intensity and led stretches of the game. Şengün dictated the tempo on the block and at the elbows; Osman and Larkin kept the scoreboard moving. The silver medal is their best EuroBasket finish since 2001 and reflects a balanced roster that defended, shared the ball, and rode its stars without losing structure. On another night, a single shot swings the outcome.
Awards and accolades
- Tournament MVP: Dennis Schröder (Germany)
- All-Star Five: Schröder, Luka Dončić, Franz Wagner, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Alperen Şengün
- Best Defensive Player: Isaac Bonga (Germany) — a new award for 2025, fitting given his two-way surge throughout the event.
The bigger picture
Germany now hold both the World Cup (2023) and EuroBasket titles—rarified air that underscores continuity and role clarity. Schröder’s leadership, Wagner’s ascending stardom, and Bonga’s leap on the wing gave them multiple answers in tight time. For Turkey, this run validates their core around Şengün and hints at staying power in future tournaments.
Bronze game footnote
Greece outlasted Finland 92–89 in the third-place game, powered by a dominant interior performance to secure their first EuroBasket medal since 2009.
Bottom line
Tactically sharp, mentally steady, and fearless late, Germany reclaimed Europe through a blend of elite guard play, versatile wings, and timely hustle. Turkey made them earn every inch—but in a one-possession finish, Germany’s experience and execution held firm.
