Greece eyes historic triumph in EuroBasket Semi-Final clash with Turkey

Greece is just one step away from a place in the EuroBasket final as the stage is set for one of the most anticipated EuroBasket semi-finals in recent memory.

Greece prepares to face arch-rival Turkey in a matchup steeped in history, rivalry, and high stakes.

For the Greek side, this is more than just another game—it is a chance to cement their resurgence and move closer to their first continental title since 2005.

Greece’s run to the last four has been defined by consistency and resilience. In the group stage, the team finished with a 4–1 record, ranking among the top five defenses in the tournament by allowing just 72.3 points per game. In the quarter-final, Greece delivered one of their strongest all-around performances, defeating Slovenia 84–75 while holding Luka Dončić to 19 points—well below his tournament average of 25.

The team’s strength lies in its collective effort. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the driving force, averaging 24.7 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, but he has not carried the burden alone. Guard Nick Calathes leads the tournament in assists (8.2 per game), while Giorgos Papagiannis anchors the paint, averaging 2.1 blocks to go with 7 rebounds per outing. Greece also ranks second in team rebounding (41.6 per game), a stat they know will be crucial against a Turkish side that thrives on second-chance opportunities.

Turkey, meanwhile, boasts one of EuroBasket’s most dynamic offenses. Alperen Şengün is averaging 18.4 points and 10.2 rebounds, while Furkan Korkmaz has been lethal from beyond the arc, shooting 41% from three. As a team, Turkey averages 83.7 points per game, compared to Greece’s 80.1, and they play at a faster pace—something Greece will look to disrupt by controlling tempo and relying on their half-court defense.

“We know Turkey likes to run and spread the floor,” said Greece’s head coach. “Our job is to stay disciplined, force them into tough shots, and use our size and strength to dominate the boards.”

History adds another layer of intrigue. Greece and Turkey have met 21 times in EuroBasket history, with Greece leading the head-to-head 13–8. Their last encounter at this level came in 2017, when Greece edged out a tight group-stage contest 84–77.

For the players, the occasion is as much about pride as it is about tactics. “Every possession matters in a game like this,” said captain Kostas Papanikolaou. “We have to trust our defense, stay patient on offense, and feed off the energy of our fans. This is our chance to write a new chapter.”

With Giannis leading the charge, a defense ranked among the best in the tournament, and a roster that blends veteran leadership with youthful energy, Greece enters the semi-final with belief. Victory would not only secure a place in the EuroBasket final but also rekindle memories of the golden eras of 1987 and 2005.

Tip-off approaches with the sense that history is at stake. For Greece, 40 minutes of unity and determination could be the difference between another near-miss and the return to the top of European basketball.