As the 2025 EuroBasket nears its climax, one name has stood out: Dennis Schroder. Inspired by watching Dirk Nowitzki represent Germany at the 2008 Olympics, Schroder’s journey has come full circle. “When I was 14, I sat in front of the TV watching Dirk Nowitzki carry the flag at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing. Back then, I thought: how cool, there’s no greater honor,” he reflected. Sixteen years later, Schroder carries not just the flag, but the hopes of an entire nation. Can Germany finally clinch the EuroBasket crown under his leadership?

Germany’s semi-final clash against Finland gave a clear answer to that question. The team displayed fluid offense and steadfast defense, overpowering the Finnish squad 98-86. From the tip-off, Germany controlled the pace and took a lead in the first quarter with 30-26 points, combining sharp passes and timely three-pointers with 40% accuracy (full-time). Fans could sense the shift in momentum as Germany steadily built a lead. By the fourth quarter, it became evident that Finland would struggle to keep up with the relentless German energy.

Schroder was the driving force behind the victory. He racked up 26 points and contributed an astonishing 12 assists (most ever in a semi-final), registering a double-double in style. The Sacramento Kings guard’s performance was not only dominant but historic, breaking a EuroBasket semi-final record that had stood for a decade! With every precise pass, Schroder reminded the basketball world why he remains Germany’s key leader. Interestingly, he has even reached sixth place on EuroBasket all-time assists list. What’s more, he is just one point behind Milos Teodosic, who currently sits in fifth place with 180 under his belt.

The previous record stood at nine assists, set by Spain’s Sergio Rodriguez during the 2015 semi-final against France. A day later, Lithuania’s Mantas Kalnietis matched the mark in their semi-final clash versus Turkey. Both performances were impressive, but now Schroder’s 12 assists surpass them all. Breaking a 10-year-old record is rare, but Schroder just got his name etched in the EuroBasket history. Now it’s only a matter of time to see how the team fares in the finals.

Dennis Schroder prepares Germany for final test against Greece or Turkey

Dennis Schroder stood on the court in Riga, still buzzing from Germany’s semifinal win, yet his mind was already shifting toward the challenge ahead. This was not just another game; it was Germany’s first shot at EuroBasket gold since their heartbreaking loss to Greece in 2005. The Sacramento Kings guard knew the moment was big, but his focus stayed on preparation and execution.

“I just read the game,” he explained after delivering 26 points and 12 assists, “I shoot a lot of threes right now. I should go to the basket sometimes, but at the end of the day, just run, put my teammates in position to succeed. Franz [Wagner], in particular, in the first five, six minutes of the game, and then Andy Obst and a lot of those other guys too, but just reading the game and trying to make the best decision possible.”

With Schroder and Franz Wagner in form, Germany now waits for either Turkiye or Greece to emerge from the other semifinal, both bringing different kinds of threats. For Schroder, though, the identity of the opponent matters less than the mindset his team carries into Sunday. With Germany unbeaten across eight games, he emphasized a focus on hunger and determination rather than names on the other bench.

“We came here for something, and it doesn’t matter who we play,” Schroder said, addressing the looming clash. “Both are great teams. It’s gonna be a dogfight in the Final. We will just try to come out on top.”

As he averages nearly 21 points and over 6.5 assists per game, Schroder’s consistency has set the tone for Germany. The reigning world champions now stand on the edge of another historic triumph, with their captain reminding everyone that the hardest fight still lies ahead.