What seemed impossible has become reality. Bosnia and Herzegovina, a team that seemed far from the top contenders at EuroBasket 2025, has taken down the mighty Greece—though they did not have to face Giannis Antetokounmpo, who sat out with knee soreness and will return for the final Group C game against Spain. That matchup could decide first place heading into the Round of 16 at the continental tournament.
Nurkic Dominates Without Giannis
Sometimes when a talented player lands on a team with modest ambitions, people lose sight of his true level. That’s been the story for Jusuf Nurkic, who has not fully shined in the NBA but has arrived in Europe ready to face the best on the continent, dominating through size and skill.
Without having to go up against a physical force like Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bosnian center put together an outstanding showing, logging a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds along with 3 assists and 3 steals. Behind him, the Balkan side not only kept the Greeks on their heels for long stretches but held on to secure a win that swings the door wide open to the Round of 16.
Nurkic was truly excellent, but he wasn’t alone. He had fantastic help from John Robertson, who scored 18, and Edin Atic, who added 15.
Greece, Unfocused and Unable to Respond
Even without Giannis Antetokounmpo on the floor, Greece was heavily favored to win, a point they drove home with a six-point lead after the first quarter (25–19). That looked like the start of a routine victory, but the next 20 minutes painted a different picture.
Bosnia maintained a similar offensive rhythm but raised its defensive intensity, holding Spanoulis’s squad to just 13 points in the second quarter and 14 in the third—roughly a point per minute. That effort allowed them to enter the final period with a nine-point lead and lock down a historic 80–77 triumph. The 15 points from Kostas Sloukas and 14 from Tyler Dorsey weren’t enough to keep Greece from unraveling.
(Photo by FIBA Europe)
