RIGA, Latvia — A stunning finish from Elias Valtonen lifted Finland to a 92–86 victory over Serbia and Nikola Jokic, sending shockwaves through EuroBasket on Saturday.
Serbia appeared poised to close out the contest after six unanswered points gave them a 77–75 lead in the fourth quarter. Then came Valtonen’s burst. With two minutes left, his three-pointer flipped momentum. A timely tip-in and another deep shot followed, sealing the upset against one of the tournament’s favorites.
Jokic poured in 33 points and tried to drag his side back with a long three in the closing seconds, but it was not enough. Serbia’s early struggles — trailing 11–1 at the start — and Finland’s relentless rebounding effort told the story. Finland secured 20 offensive boards, a number Jokic later called “unacceptable.”
“They played a great game. From the start we didn’t come ready,” the Denver Nuggets star admitted. “We knew what they were doing, we prepared well, but they were more physical than us.”
The result marked Finland’s first win over Serbia since 2009. For Serbia, it was a bitter repeat of their last EuroBasket campaign, another exit in the round of 16.
Lauri Markkanen spearheaded the Finnish attack with 29 points while Valtonen ended with 13, including his decisive late flurry. Finland now moves on to face either Olympic silver medalist France or Georgia in the quarterfinals.
Other Results from Saturday
Turkey, Germany, and Lithuania also advanced. NBA All-Star Alperen Sengun was dominant for Turkey, posting 24 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists in an 85–79 win over Sweden. Despite Ludvig Hakanson tying the game with a three-pointer late, Turkey held strong, with Cedi Osman adding 17 points.
Germany overcame a slow start to dispatch Portugal 85–58. Neemias Queta gave the Portuguese hope with 18 points and 11 rebounds, but Germany’s defense clamped down in the final quarter, holding Portugal to just seven points. Dennis Schroder and Franz Wagner each scored 16, though both struggled from long range. Before tipoff, the arena held a moment of silence for the victims of the Lisbon streetcar accident.
Lithuania defeated co-host Latvia 88–79 behind Arnas Velicka’s 21 points and 12 assists. The Lithuanians weathered a late comeback attempt to claim the win and book their place in the next round.
What Comes Next
Turkey will face the winner of Poland vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina. Germany is set to clash with either Italy or Slovenia, led by Luka Doncic. Lithuania awaits the winner of Greece vs. Israel.
The remaining last-16 games will be played Sunday, with quarterfinal action beginning Tuesday. Notably, defending champion Spain has already been eliminated in the group stage by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece.
