Germany Ends 32-Year Wait for European Glory
Germany has made basketball history once again by clinching the EuroBasket 2025 championship, defeating Turkey 88-83 in a nail-biting final at Arena Riga on Sunday night. This landmark victory marks Germany’s first European title since 1993 and cements their status as one of the most dominant forces in international basketball today. With this win, Germany becomes just the fourth nation in history to hold both the FIBA World Cup and EuroBasket crowns simultaneously, joining the elite company of the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, and Spain.
Dennis Schröder Delivers MVP Performance
The night belonged to Dennis Schröder, the Sacramento Kings point guard and captain of the German national team, who displayed nerves of steel in the game’s final moments. Schröder scored the last six points for Germany, including a decisive jumper with just 19 seconds left on the clock, effectively sealing the victory.
Despite a slow start, the 32-year-old floor general recorded 16 points and a EuroBasket finals-record 12 assists, earning him the Tournament MVP Award. Schröder joins an exclusive list of German greats to have claimed this honor, including Chris Welp (1993) and NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki (2005).
Germany’s Golden Era of Basketball
Germany’s latest achievement continues an extraordinary stretch of international success. They captured bronze at EuroBasket 2022, followed by their historic FIBA World Cup title in 2023, and a strong fourth-place finish at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This consistent run underscores Germany’s rise as a basketball powerhouse on the global stage.
Throughout the 2025 tournament, Schröder was sensational, averaging 20.3 points, 7.2 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. According to FIBA records, he set new marks for most assists in both semifinal and final games since official statistics began in 1995.
A Final Packed with Drama
The EuroBasket final lived up to its billing, featuring 15 lead changes and 11 ties in a high-octane battle between two of Europe’s strongest teams. Turkey entered halftime with a 46-40 lead, powered by Houston Rockets star Alperen Şengün, who scored a game-high 28 points. For much of the second half, Turkey kept Germany under pressure until a late surge turned the tide.
Isaac Bonga led Germany with 20 points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc, while Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner contributed 18 points and eight rebounds. Together with Schröder’s late heroics, their combined efforts allowed Germany to pull ahead in the final minute.
Şengün’s last-second three-point attempt to tie the game narrowly missed, forcing Turkey to settle for silver. Nevertheless, Şengün’s impressive tournament earned him a spot on the All-Star Five, alongside Schröder, Wagner, Greece’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Slovenia’s Luka Dončić.
Perfect Tournament Run for Germany
With this victory, Germany completed the tournament with a flawless 9-0 record, marking their first undefeated run in EuroBasket history. The win is a testament to the depth, chemistry, and resilience of this German squad.
Turkey’s silver medal is still a historic accomplishment, representing their best international result since they finished runners-up in 2001. Meanwhile, Greece claimed bronze after edging out Finland 92-89 in the third-place game, rounding out a memorable tournament.
What’s Next for German Basketball
Germany’s triumph positions them as favorites heading into the next Olympic cycle and sets a new benchmark for European basketball. With a core built around Schröder, Wagner, and a growing pool of talented young players, Germany is expected to remain a contender on the global stage for years to come.
Fans across Germany celebrated the victory, viewing it not just as a championship win but as proof of the country’s basketball renaissance. From Riga to Berlin, supporters are already looking ahead to what could be another golden summer in 2026.
Sources: Reuters
