Lauri Markkanen exploded for a national team-record 48 points, powering Finland to 105-62 shellacking of Belgium to begin their preparations for the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 tournament.
Markkanen shot an ultra-efficient 17-of-24 from the field — including 7-of-13 from deep — and grabbed nine rebounds and three steals in just 25 minutes.
The Utah Jazz big man and former Most Improved Player thus broke his previous Finnish record of 43 points set against Croatia at EuroBasket 2022.
Olivier Nkamhoua added 11 points, Henri Little finished with four markers, eight assists, and three steals. Team captain Sasu Salin chipped in eight.
On the other hand, Andy Van Vliet topscored Belgium with 12 points as Mamadou Guisse supplied 10.
Meanwhile, Franz Wagner fired 18 points as reigning world champion Germany overpowered Luka Doncic and Slovenia, 103-89, in the first pre-EuroBasket 2025 games for both teams.
Doncic had 19 points, five assists, and three rebounds in 24 minutes in his first taste of competitive play since the LA Lakers’ West opening round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves last April.
Luka in prime #EuroBasket form already! 🇸🇮?
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) August 8, 2025
Despite missing Dennis Schroder, Daniel Theis and Maodo Lo, Germany led as many as 18 and held control for most of the game before both teams emptied their benches in the fourth quarter.
David Kramer contributed 18 points while Isaac Bongga had 15 of his own for Die Mannschaft, who joined Slovenia in Group B alongside Great Britain, Lithuania, Sweden, and Montenegro.
FROM WAAAAAAAY DOWNTOWN! 🚨#EuroBasket x @DBB_Basketball 🇩🇪
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) August 8, 2025
Both teams will play again on Monday, August 11 (PH time) this time in Mannheim, Germany.
