After Greece beat Finland 92:89 in the third-place game, 30-year-old forward Giannis Antetokounmpo couldn’t hide his emotions. He finished with 30 points, 17 rebounds, a crucial board, and two ice-cold free throws at the end. This is Greece’s first EuroBasket medal since the “bronze” of 2009, and Antetokounmpo calls it the most meaningful achievement of his life — precisely because it was won in the national team jersey and for the 12 million people who live and breathe this team.
Finish Line: How the Final Seconds Were Decided
— Giannis, what was going through your mind at the decisive moment when you had to secure that rebound and knock down the free throws?
— We kept repeating one thought: “possession by possession.” I tracked the shot, got position, and simply ripped the ball down. Then it was all focus at the line: two accurate free throws — no romance, just mechanics. We closed the defensive possession, and then the game.
"For the Country — More Than for Myself"
— You’ve won an NBA championship. Why does EuroBasket “bronze” sound louder?
— In the league you represent a club, a city, an organization. Here it’s the flag, the anthem, families in the stands, and 12 million people back home. It’s a responsibility and an energy you can’t capture with statistics. For me — yes, it’s the biggest thing I’ve had in basketball.
Team Fabric: Roles, Trust, Discipline
— What formed the foundation of this medal?
— Roles were crystal clear. The backcourt maintained ball pressure, the bigs controlled the glass and set the right screens, and the bench brought tempo and physicality. We agreed on this: we don’t argue with officials, we don’t lose focus after a miss, and we sprint back on defense immediately. That kind of discipline decides playoff games.
Tactics Without Fog: Defense, Rebounding, Efficiency
— What specific points worked against Finland?
— Controlling the paint and transition defense. We took away the quick first pass, slowed the early pick-and-roll, and didn’t allow easy points in the paint. On offense we hunted the mismatch, pushed them toward foul trouble, and kept the ball moving around the arc until a window opened — whether for a power drive or an open three.
Leadership Without Loud Words
— How did you manage the team’s emotions?
— Leadership isn’t yelling in a timeout. It’s sprinting back after your own turnover, hedging the pick-and-roll, making the extra box-out when you’re down two. When teammates see you’re not choosing easy possessions, they rise with you.
The Horizon Beyond Bronze
— What’s next for this national team?
— This medal restores belief. But bronze isn’t the ceiling. We need the same defensive identity, more depth on offense, and stability on the glass. If we keep a healthy roster and this level of accountability, Greece will have a chance to climb even higher.
— And if you had to use one word?
— “Thank you.” To the team, the coaches, the staff, and the people who made this night possible. Today it’s our shared victory.
