Dennis Schroder entered the EuroBasket 2025 Finals brimming with anticipation, fully aware of the historic opportunity ahead. “We are excited, just like our coach said. This is a big chance for us to put Germany on the map, to write basketball history, and we are looking forward to the final,” he said before tipoff. That promise turned into reality as Team Germany not only reached the podium but captured the Gold Medal, with Schroder playing a central role in guiding his squad to its first EuroBasket title in over three decades.

The 31-year-old delivered a stellar performance, scoring 16 points on 4-of-8 (50%) shooting from the field, 1-of-3 (33.3%) from beyond the arc, and 5-of-6 (83.3%) from the free-throw line. Entering the fourth quarter, Turkey held a slight advantage, but Schoder rose to the occasion, sinking two clutch back-to-back baskets to swing the lead to 86-83. He then sealed the victory with two calm free throws, demonstrating his poise and leadership in the most critical moments of the EuroBasket 2025 final.

All of Schroder’s efforts played a crucial role in getting Team Germany its first gold since 1993. His 12 assists against Turkey set a remarkable benchmark, the most by any player in an EuroBasket final in the past 30 years. The magnitude of his contribution did not go unnoticed; BasketNews named him the MVP of EuroBasket 2025. With this achievement, Schroder became only the third German player to win the EuroBasket MVP award, joining Chris Welp, who earned the distinction after Germany’s last gold medal triumph in 1993.

Teammate Isaac Bonga, who has played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, and Toronto Raptors, led Germany in scoring with 20 points. Not just that, he became the first-ever winner of the Best Defensive Player award, introduced for the 2025 edition, showcasing all-around talent.

Germany had a really slow start to the game. However, after a time-out, the team went on a 12-1 run to tie at 14-14, with several of Schröder’s free throws helping in that effort. By halftime, Turkey led 46-40, with Alperen Sengun having made 15 of those points. The lead kept shifting from time to time, with 3-pointers from Andreas Obst and Isaac Bonga putting the Germans up 77-76 with 3:35 remaining, and then Schroder struck, and then took the lead for his team up to 86-83.

Germany’s dominance at EuroBasket 2025 was clear, with Dennis Schroder and Franz Wagner both earning spots in the All-Star Five, a testament to their gold-medal-winning performances. With a EuroBasket gold medal now with Germany for the first time since 1993, Dennis Schroder and co. would be exceptionally happy right now. At the same time, so would Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Netizens credit Turkey’s loss to Giannis Antetokounmpo: “every tongue that rises”

In the aftermath of Germany’s historic win, a few social media users highlighted the tension between players, writing, “Every tongue that rises against Giannis Antetokounmpo.” The remark referenced comments made by Alperen Şengün after his national team defeated Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Team Greece to reach the EuroBasket 2025 Finals. During a Q&A session, Şengün remarked, “He’s not a great passer. He’s an amazing player, you know, but he’s not a great passer,” sparking conversation across basketball circles.

Giannis Antetokounmpo later addressed the comments with characteristic calm. He dismissed the criticism, explaining that he prefers to let his game speak for itself. “I have an incredible family. I think I have incredible people that support me every single day. I’ve built incredible relationships. I love to carry myself that way. I’m not the guy that will talk back to coaches or players or people that say bad things about me. It doesn’t really matter because, at the end of the day, you won’t remember what they say. You will remember how I respond,” he said, emphasizing the importance of perspective and composure in the face of public scrutiny.

While Giannis couldn’t respond to Turkey, he certainly made his mark against Finland. He poured in 30 points on 9-of-11 (82%) shooting from the field and 12-of-16 (75%) from three-point range, adding 6 assists and an impressive 17 rebounds. His dominant performance helped Team Greece secure the bronze medal with a narrow 92-89 victory, demonstrating that, when needed, Giannis can carry his team and answer critics on the court rather than off it.

Sengun’s comments and Giannis’s response also underline a broader narrative about how elite players handle pressure and criticism. While young talents like Sengun are learning to assert themselves on the international stage, veterans like Giannis show that performance does the talking, which is an example for the next generation of players. But do let us know your thoughts in the comments on both Dennis Schroder and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s recent performances!