Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered one of the defining moments of his career Sunday, scoring 30 points and grabbing 17 rebounds to lead Greece to a 92-89 victory over Finland in the EuroBasket bronze medal game.
The win secured Greece’s first medal at the European championships since 2009, ending a 16-year drought and adding to a legacy that now includes two golds, one silver and three bronzes.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Breaks Down in Emotional Celebration
Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP and 2021 NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks, was overcome with tears after the final buzzer, calling the bronze medal the pinnacle of his career.
“We did it. This is probably one of the biggest accomplishments that I’ve ever accomplished as an athlete,” Antetokounmpo said. “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.”
He added that the triumph resonated well beyond individual recognition. “When I win the MVP, my mom is happy, my brothers are happy, and probably my agent. But when you win a medal, 12 million people are happy,” he said. “You inspire 12 million people that anything is possible. Kids are going to say: Maybe one day I could win a gold medal.”
Antetokounmpo also made a point to acknowledge those who have carried him through his journey. He said the accomplishment was not just about his individual talent, but about the foundation built by his family, his teammates, and the millions of Greeks who stood behind him throughout the tournament.
“I love everyone, I thank everyone for their support, because without it nothing would be possible. It is my greatest achievement, to represent the national team, your country, 12 million people and reach a success, a medal,” he said.
Greece Controls Game, Survives Finland Rally
Greece never trailed, building a 17-point advantage and holding an 11-point cushion with under two minutes left. But Finland mounted a furious rally, trimming the deficit to three in the closing moments.
Elias Valtonen stepped to the line with five seconds remaining and a chance to tie the game, but he missed his third free throw. Antetokounmpo secured the rebound and calmly sank two free throws to secure the win.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen had 19 points and 10 rebounds for Finland, while Olivier Nkamhoua scored 21. Despite the loss, Finland fought until the end, one game removed from a semifinal defeat to Germany.
Greece had advanced to the bronze medal game after being routed by Turkey in the semifinals. Germany later edged Turkey to win the gold medal.
A Historic Chapter in Greece’s Basketball Revival
For Antetokounmpo, who has already collected nearly every major accolade the sport can offer — from NBA championships to Finals MVP and league MVP awards — the EuroBasket bronze represented something different. It was the missing piece, the one achievement that had eluded him and his national team despite years of effort and disappointment on the international stage.
“This was the one accomplishment I hadn’t secured yet — a medal with my national team. And now I have it,” he said.
The win also built on momentum from last summer’s Olympic qualifier in Piraeus, where Antetokounmpo helped Greece return to the Games for the first time since 2008. At the Peace and Friendship Stadium, he scored 32 points in the opening win over the Dominican Republic and later delivered 23 points and eight rebounds in the decisive 80-69 victory over Croatia. Afterward, he called qualifying for Paris “an incredible feeling.”
While Greece was eliminated by Germany in Paris last summer, a foundation was built for Antetokounmpo to lead the national team to this medal run.
“This medal means everything,” Antetokounmpo said Sunday. “Every time I play for the national team, I fall in love with basketball again. I wish we still played this game. I wish we played next summer, too.”
He also took time to reflect on how the pursuit of greatness has shaped both his career and his life. Speaking with emotion, Antetokounmpo pointed to the relationships he has built, the support network that sustains him, and the inner drive that pushes him to rise in moments where everything is at stake.
“I’m fortunate to have a wonderful family and fantastic supporters in my life. I’ve cultivated meaningful relationships, and I take pride in that,” he said. “Whenever my legacy is on the line I always respond. I always find a way to get the job done. I felt for a day and half like my legacy was on the line and I love that feeling.”
The next chance for Antetokounmpo to represent his national team will be in 2027 at the FIBA World Cup in Qatar.
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