Patryk Stachowiak
Massive upset alert. In a result that shattered pre-match odds and rewrote EuroBasket narratives, Finland eliminated Serbia 92–86 in the Round of 16 at EuroBasket 2025 — sending home three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and extending Serbia’s trophy drought.
This marks the second consecutive EuroBasket where Serbia crashed out in the Round of 16 — they were knocked out by Italy in 2022 (94–86). And once again, Jokic walks away without a single EuroBasket medal to his name.
Jokic Delivered, But It Wasn’t Enough
Jokic was clinical: 33 points on 9-of-13 shooting, plus 8 rebounds. Add in Nikola Jovic’s 20 points, and the duo accounted for 53 of Serbia’s 86 points. But beyond them, the Serbian offense lacked bite — and more importantly, composure down the stretch.
Serbia briefly found rhythm in Q2, outscoring Finland 24–16, but their tactical edge faded late. Jokic couldn’t anchor both ends under mounting Finnish pressure — and that’s where the tide turned.
Miro Little. Source: fiba.basketball
Finland’s Clutch Core Rises
Lauri Markkanen may have dropped a headline-worthy 29 points on 8/24 shooting, but the dagger came from Elias Valtonen. His eight unanswered points in crunch time put the game to bed, turning a nervy 82–78 lead with under 2 minutes left into a statement win.
Credit also goes to Mikael Jantunen for setting the tone early with back-to-back triples during an 11–1 start. That early confidence laid the foundation Finland leaned on when it mattered most.
What’s Next?
Finland, who entered as outsiders in most outright markets, are now through to the quarterfinals and await the winner of France vs. Georgia. Bettors would do well to keep a close eye — Markkanen’s leadership and Valtonen’s confidence have made them more than just a dark horse.
Can they ride this high deeper into the bracket? Or was this the peak of their Cinderella run? Either way, one thing’s clear — Serbia’s golden generation is running out of time, and Jokic’s European drought just added another brutal chapter.