Lauri Markkanen Shines as Finland Defeats Sweden in EuroBasket Opener

The 2025 EuroBasket tournament kicked off with a stunning performance from Lauri Markkanen, as the Finnish basketball star led his team to a thrilling victory over Sweden. On August 27, 2025, in front of enthusiastic home fans, Markkanen scored an impressive 28 points and made five three-pointers, helping Finland secure a 93-90 win. This marked a strong start for the Finnish team in the tournament, now holding a 1-0 record.

Finland, one of the host nations for EuroBasket, entered the tournament with momentum, having achieved a perfect 4-0 record in warm-up games. Markkanen’s recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. In a preceding game against Belgium, he tallied an astonishing 48 points, shooting 17-for-24 from the field and sinking seven three-pointers. His follow-up performance featured 31 points in just 23 minutes, with a shooting accuracy of 8-for-12.

Markkanen’s Return to Form

This resurgence comes after a challenging 2024-25 season with the Utah Jazz, where Markkanen’s numbers dipped to an average of 19 points per game, accompanied by a shooting percentage of 42.3. He played only 47 games that season, a sharp decline from his impressive 2022-23 campaign, where he averaged 25.6 points, made his first All-Star team, and was named the Most Improved Player. The Jazz have been in a rebuilding phase, even facing a fine of 100,000 USD for benching Markkanen while he was healthy.

In his first game of EuroBasket against Poland, Markkanen exploded for 42 points, showcasing the talent that led Finland to its first EuroBasket quarterfinal appearance since 1967. His performance during the last tournament was remarkable, averaging 27.9 points and 8.1 rebounds while shooting 54.2 percent from the field. This level of play preceded his breakout season in the NBA, and fans are hopeful that he can replicate or surpass his previous successes.

Impact on Finnish Basketball and the NBA

Markkanen’s return to form is a promising sign not only for Finnish basketball but also for his professional career with the Utah Jazz. His ability to perform at a high level in international competition could translate into renewed confidence and productivity in the NBA. As Finland prepares to host the preliminary games for Group B in the EuroBasket tournament, Markkanen is on a mission to secure a medal for his country.

With the eyes of the basketball world on him, Lauri Markkanen’s exceptional skills and competitive spirit are likely to play a crucial role in Finland’s pursuit of success in EuroBasket 2025. As the tournament progresses, fans will be eager to see if he can maintain this momentum and help elevate Finland in the international basketball arena.