On September 14, 2025, in a contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer, Germany etched another glorious chapter into its basketball history. Securing the EuroBasket gold medal with an 88-83 victory over a resilient Turkey, the German squad has now claimed back-to-back major international titles, following their World Cup triumph just two years prior. At the heart of this victory, and subsequently crowned the tournament`s Most Valuable Player, was none other than the diminutive but indomitable point guard, Dennis Schröder.
A Tale of Two Halves: Turkey`s Initial Dominance
The final began with a torrential downpour of three-pointers from the Turkish side, orchestrating a blistering 13-2 opening run. Led by the sharp-shooting of Shane Larkin and the relentless drives of Cedi Osman, Turkey seemed intent on replicating their semi-final defensive masterclass against Greece. Germany, initially appearing stunned, struggled to find its rhythm against Turkey`s aggressive perimeter defense.
However, the German machine slowly began to whir. Isaac Bonga, later named the MVP of this very final, provided crucial early triples, while Franz Wagner showcased his offensive versatility, tallying 16 points in the first half alone to keep Germany within striking distance. Just as Germany found its footing, Alperen Şengün, the Houston Rockets` center, ignited a personal 7-point flurry in just over a minute, reminding everyone of his formidable presence. Despite Şengün`s brilliance, foul trouble — three personal fouls before halftime — became a looming concern for Turkey. As the teams headed to the locker rooms, Turkey held a narrow 46-40 lead, with Schröder notably quiet, contributing just 2 points and turning over the ball three times. One might have wondered if the tournament MVP trophy was already packed for another recipient.
Schröder`s Second-Half Surge: The MVP Takes Over
The narrative, however, took a dramatic twist in the second half. As if on cue, Schröder emerged from his first-half slumber, draining a deep three-pointer that served as a declaration of intent. His vision sharpened, his pace quickened, and his scoring touch returned with a vengeance. Turkey`s coach, Ergin Ataman, faced a dilemma: Şengün`s foul count necessitated caution, yet his team simply couldn`t afford to be without their star big man.
The game transformed into an exhilarating seesaw battle, with lead changes coming almost as frequently as possessions. Johannes Thiemann provided crucial stability inside, while Bonga continued his clinic from beyond the arc. As the clock wound down into the final minute, Germany clung to a precarious one-point lead, 84-83. The pressure was palpable, the stakes immense. Şengün, attempting a crucial layup under the basket, saw his effort denied, opening the door for Germany.
With the game hanging in the balance, Dennis Schröder showcased why he`s considered one of the clutch players in international basketball. He created space with a series of masterful dribbles and sank a pull-up mid-range jumper that felt as heavy as gold. It was a shot fired with ice in his veins, extending Germany`s lead and effectively sealing Turkey`s fate. A final desperate perimeter attempt by Turkey failed to find the net, confirming Germany`s 88-83 triumph and their place atop the European basketball hierarchy.
Collective Brilliance and Individual Heroics
While Schröder`s late-game heroics and tournament MVP award were undeniable, Germany`s success was a testament to a collective effort. Isaac Bonga, the deserving MVP of the final, delivered 20 points through timely triples and impactful plays. Franz Wagner`s 18 points, especially his early contributions, were vital in keeping Germany afloat during Turkey`s dominant phases. Thiemann`s defensive solidity and timely scores often went unnoticed but were critical to the team`s balance. Schröder finished with 16 points, the last six of which were his, underlining his role as the ultimate closer.
For Turkey, Alperen Şengün`s 28 points, Cedi Osman`s 23, and Shane Larkin`s 13 points were valiant efforts, but ultimately insufficient to overcome Germany`s late surge.
Germany`s Golden Era in Basketball
This EuroBasket title, coupled with their World Cup victory two years prior, firmly establishes Germany as a burgeoning dynasty in international basketball. Their strategic depth, combined with individual brilliance and an unyielding team spirit, has proven a potent formula for success. They have transitioned from a talented dark horse to a consistent, formidable force, setting a high bar for other nations in the coming years.
Bronze Medal Match: Greece Prevails
Earlier in the day, the bronze medal match saw Greece, spearheaded by the phenomenal Giannis Antetokounmpo, overcome Lauri Markkanen`s Finland in another thrilling encounter, 92-89. Finland mounted a spirited comeback attempt that ultimately fell short due to a missed free throw by Valtonen in the dying moments.
