Nikola Jokić, Serbia Eliminated by Finland in Stunning EuroBasket Upset

Nikola Jokić, Serbia Eliminated by Finland in Stunning EuroBasket Upset

Riga, Latvia – September 6, 2025

In what is already being hailed as the biggest shock of EuroBasket 2025, Finland stunned tournament favorites Serbia with a dramatic 92–86 victory in the Round of 16, sending three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić and his squad crashing out of the competition.

Despite a masterclass from Jokić—who poured in 33 points on 9-of-13 shooting, grabbed eight rebounds, and added three assists, three steals, and a block—the Serbian team couldn’t withstand Finland’s relentless energy and clutch execution.

Finland’s Heroes Rise

Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen led the Finnish charge with 29 points, eight rebounds, and ice-cold composure down the stretch. But it was Elias Valtonen who delivered the dagger: scoring eight straight points in the final minutes to seal the win. Mikael Jantunen and Miro Little also chipped in with 15 and 13 points respectively, the latter adding eight rebounds and six assists.

Finland opened the game with an 11–1 blitz, but Serbia clawed back in the second quarter. The game remained tight until the final period, where Finland’s poise and clutch shooting made the difference.

Serbia’s EuroBasket Curse Continues

This marks the second consecutive EuroBasket where Serbia has been eliminated in the Round of 16, following their 2022 exit at the hands of Italy. With Jokić now 30 and the next tournament not until 2029, Serbian fans are left wondering if their golden window for EuroBasket glory has closed.

What’s Next

Finland advances to the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of France vs. Georgia. After toppling the No. 2 team in FIBA’s world rankings, Finland will enter the next round with confidence—and a growing belief that they can go all the way.