So far, Greece has lived up to expectations at EuroBasket 2025 and managed to break the curse that haunted it for years against Spain, winning 90–86.

One of the key factors behind this strong run—and Greece’s first-place finish in the Limassol group—has been the three-point shot. In previous tournaments, three-point shooting has often hurt more than helped, but this year it has become a reliable weapon for coach Vassilis Spanoulis. At this EuroBasket, Greece is posting its best three-point percentage in five years.

Steady from Deep

In Cyprus, Greece started EuroBasket 2025 on the right foot: four wins and one loss secured first place in the group. From beyond the arc, the team is shooting just under 50%—specifically 45.6%, averaging 11.4 makes on 25 attempts per game. Tyler Dorsey is shooting 48.6% (3.6/7.4), Kostas Sloukas 55.6% (1/1.8), Vasilis Toliopoulos 41.2% (1.4/3.4), and Dinos Mitoglou an astounding 71.4% (1/1.4).

Spanoulis has noted that this roster features players who can run, defend, shoot, and create—qualities finally reflected in Greece’s perimeter game.

A Look Back: When 35% Was Out of Reach

The contrast with past tournaments is stark. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Greece posted its lowest three-point percentage in five years: just 29.8% (9/30.3 per game), yet still finished eighth. At the 2023 FIBA World Cup in the Philippines, Greece placed 15th, shooting 32.4% (9.6/29.6).

At EuroBasket 2022, Greece took 5th place but hit only 34.9% (10.4/29.9). And back in 2019 at the World Cup in China, with Giannis already on board, Greece shot 33.6% (8.4/25) and finished 11th.

Comparison of Three-Point Percentages:

• EuroBasket 2025: 11.4/25 (45.6%)
• Olympics 2024: 9/30.3 (29.8%)
• World Cup 2023: 9.6/29.6 (32.4%)
• EuroBasket 2022: 10.4/29.9 (34.9%)
• World Cup 2019: 8.4/25 (33.6%)

Papanikolaou Everywhere

Against Italy, he shut down Simone Fontecchio. Against Spain, Kostas Papanikolaou—the team captain—again showed his extraordinary basketball IQ. Starting at power forward to guard Santi Aldama, he held the Spanish star to 12 points on 2-for-11 shooting.

Papanikolaou didn’t just lock down his man; he orchestrated the defense, executed close-outs, rotated between multiple opponents, disrupted passing lanes, and energized the team. He even drained a crucial three-pointer just as Spain threatened to take the lead.

When Spain attacked with him as the primary defender, their efficiency collapsed: 2-for-13 overall in various play types (post-ups, pick-and-rolls, transition, isolation).

Sloukas the Leader

Kostas Sloukas is one of Europe’s most respected players. At the group stage, he wasn’t aggressively chasing his own shots but was the team’s primary decision-maker. Spanoulis himself called him the “best decision-maker in Europe.”

In the closing minutes against Spain, Sloukas made a decisive drive to the basket, giving Greece breathing room. Alongside Papanikolaou, he chased younger opponents with determination, proving that the hunger for success hasn’t faded—even if this might be their last shot at something big with the national team.

The Unstoppable Giannis

What more can be said about Giannis Antetokounmpo? His stats told the story: 25 points scored, 25 more created through assists, and a game plan-shattering presence.

Spain’s coach Sergio Scariolo, known for his zone defenses, tried to trap him early. But with Giannis at the high post or inside, Dorsey and others feasted from three. When the Spanish defense adjusted, Giannis simply took over himself, relentlessly attacking the basket.

His approach was key: rather than forcing plays, he first involved his teammates, making the offense flow before dominating late.

The Statistical Paradox of EuroBasket 2025

Traditionally, Greece’s summer campaigns have been defined by worries about three-point shooting. This time, defense is the bigger concern—particularly when Giannis sits, exposing gaps in size and athleticism.

Yet the shooting masks these flaws. Greece ranks third in the tournament in True Shooting % (69.1%), thanks largely to Dorsey’s hot streak and Sloukas’ ability to hit tough shots off the dribble.

The paradox: while excelling in overall shooting efficiency, Greece is struggling from the free-throw line (68.2%), dragged down by Giannis’ inconsistency. Since averages usually normalize over time, the question remains: will the outside shots still fall when knockout games arrive?

With Dorsey, Sloukas, Toliopoulos, Larentzakis, Mitoglou, and even an improved Katsivelis, Greece has plenty of shooters. And with Giannis creating space, if the threes keep dropping in elimination games, why not believe in medals—and in dreams?