Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo showed out for Greece as it eliminated the reigning champions, Spain, from EuroBasket 2025 on Thursday. The two-time NBA MVP flashed his full offensive repertoire, scoring inside and in the midrange, and setting up his teammates as he nearly recorded a triple-double.
However, one high-degree-of-difficulty first-half fadeaway jumper, in particular, appeared to turn the most heads.
With a chance for Greece to finish atop Group C at stake, Antetokounmpo overcame a slow start scoring-wise (two first-quarter points) to assert his dominance. “The Greek Freak” finished with 25 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists on 9-for-15 shooting (60%), helping his squad prevail 90-86 after squandering an early 16-point advantage. Along the way, he amassed an electrifying highlight reel.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Shines As Greece Outlasts Spain in EuroBasket 2025
With Greece ahead 36-25 in the opening minutes of the second quarter, Antetokounmpo brought the ball up the court against Spanish forward Santi Aldama. As he began posting up, a second defender came over to help, causing the nine-time NBA All-Star to spin baseline for a contested fadeaway jumper.
Antetokounmpo drilled the shot through contact from Spain’s Sergio De Larrea, earning a trip to the free-throw line. The play promptly went viral on X, with many lauding his improved shot creation after being limited offensively to begin his career.
Pure art 🖼🎨#EuroBasket x @HellenicBF pic.twitter.com/WIDCk0vsLg
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 4, 2025
Antetokounmpo’s other highlight-worthy plays included a few dunks, perhaps most notably when he threw down a two-handed poster slam over Spanish forward Joel Parra off a third-quarter inbounds pass.
You can’t escape Giannis 😬#EuroBasket | #MakeYourMark pic.twitter.com/P4civ0sQNn
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 4, 2025
The 2021 NBA champion also delivered in the clutch after Spain overcame a 30-14 deficit to pull ahead 84-82 in the game’s final minutes. He converted a dunk and a putback to put Greece back in front 86-84 with two minutes remaining. After Spain’s ensuing late-game free-throw shooting woes on the other end, Antetokounmpo and Co. held on for a thrilling four-point victory.
The GREEK FREAK delivers! 🇬🇷
Giannis leads Greece to a win over Spain with a MONSTER performance.
📊 25 PTS | 14 REB | 9 AST#EuroBasket | #MakeYourMark pic.twitter.com/w2HheMpmqG
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 4, 2025
With Thursday’s win, Greece ended group play with a 4-1 record, topping Group C as it advanced to the knockout phase. Antetokounmpo suited up in three of those contests, sitting out twice due to rest and knee discomfort. He has thrived when available, averaging 27.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, five assists, and one steal per game, shooting 69.6%.
On the flip side, Spain finished group play with a 2-3 record, just outside Group C’s top four, resulting in its early elimination. That marked the country’s first time failing to advance past the opening stage of EuroBasket since 1977, and ensured a new champion will soon be crowned.
