Can Lauri Markkanen Lead Finland to EuroBasket 2025 Title?

Historic Scoring Performances

Against Belgium, Markkanen exploded for 48 points, setting a new national team record.

In the rematch, he added 31. Days later, he scored 42 points and added 12 rebounds against Poland, hitting 19 of 20 at the line.

According to BasketNews, over three games, Markkanen averaged 40.3 points and 8.3 rebounds on nearly 69 percent shooting and 54 percent from three-point range. In Finland, a country long defined by hockey, his dominance has pushed basketball into the spotlight.

The only dip for Markkanen came in the final tune-up, when he scored just six in limited minutes against Poland. That dip, though, did little to dampen the sense that he’s playing the best basketball of his career.

Standing Among Europe’s Giants

Markkanen’s surge comes in an era defined by European superstars. Greece leans on Giannis Antetokounmpo. Latvia has Kristaps Porzingis playing on home soil; and Nikola Jokic still is redefining what a big man can be. Markkanen hasn’t been lost in their shadow. He’s pushed his way into that very conversation.

His mix of size, shooting range, and leadership has turned Finland into a team no one can take lightly.

Finland’s Path

Finland’s group stage brings them Germany and Lithuania. If Markkanen keeps playing the way he has been, a run to the quarterfinals seems within reach. For Finnish basketball, that would be uncharted territory, paving the way for future EuroBasket success.

Lauri Markkanen’s summer play has shown a return to peak condition and confidence, giving NBA fans reason to expect more when the new season begins. EuroBasket will give him the stage, and his performance thus far has raised expectations for what comes next.