EuroBasket: Giannis ends long wait as Greece finally returns to EuroBasket podium

For Giannis Antetokounmpo, winning bronze at EuroBasket felt like lifting gold.

After more than a decade of trying, the Milwaukee Bucks star finally celebrated a medal with the Greek national team as he powered Hellas past Finland, 92-89, in the bronze-medal match in Riga. Antetokounmpo delivered a dominant 30-point, 17-rebound performance, sealing the game at the free-throw line after nearly letting a double-digit lead slip away.

“We did it. This is probably one of the biggest accomplishments that I’ve ever accomplished as an athlete,” said Antetokounmpo, the past NBA champion and MVP. “I know I’ve won an NBA championship, but there’s no feeling like representing your national team and representing 12 million people that breathe and live this national team. This is probably the greatest accomplishment so far in my life.”

 The medal ended a 16-year drought for Greece, which last stood on the EuroBasket podium in 2009. It was the sixth time overall the country has medaled in the tournament, adding to its two golds, one silver, and now three bronzes.

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You did it, Giannis #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/Y5aFx8kPYs

— FIBA Basketball (@FIBA) September 14, 2025

Getting here was far from easy. Since his senior debut in 2014, Antetokounmpo endured one disappointment after another — early exits in World Cups, missing EuroBasket 2017 due to injury, and falling short in 2022 despite strong numbers. Even Olympic dreams were dashed when Greece failed to qualify for Tokyo. For all his NBA glory, international success always seemed just out of reach.

 That is what made Sunday’s result so emotional. Greece never trailed and once led by 17, but Finland nearly forced overtime in the closing seconds. With five ticks left, Elias Valtonen went to the line for three free throws and a chance to tie. He made the first two, missed the third, and Antetokounmpo grabbed the rebound before calmly knocking down two free throws of his own to finish the job.

 Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen led Finland with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Elias Valtonen added 15. Yet the night belonged to Antetokounmpo, who had long carried the weight of expectations for Greece and finally had the medal to show for it.

 Greece may have fallen heavily to Turkey in the semifinals, but the bronze was its redemption. For Antetokounmpo, it was proof that persistence pays off — and perhaps the sweetest triumph of his career.

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