Lauri Markkanen Carries Finland Past Sweden
Aug 27, 2025, 2:28 PM | Updated: Aug 28, 2025, 10:36 am
Lauri Markkanen #23 of Finland dunks the ball (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
(Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Lauri Markkanen helped his native Finland survive a close game with Sweden to open EuroBasket on Wednesday.
Playing in front of a home crowd, Finland downed Sweden 93-90 behind a big performance from the Utah Jazz All-Star.
Related: How To Watch EuroBasket 2025
Markkanen Carries Finland Past Sweden
Continuing his dominance during friendlies, Markkanen scored 28 points to lead Finland past Sweden.
The sharpshooter connected on 7-15 field goal attempts, including 2-4 from three, while adding 12 points at the free-throw line.
Markkanen also led Finland with six rebounds in 32 minutes.
🇫🇮 Lauri Markkanen drops 28 PTS to help Finland prevail in their #EuroBasket home opener 🥶 pic.twitter.com/QuejotrpZa
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) August 27, 2025
The Jazz forward added a pair of highlight reel dunks to help Finland edge Sweden in the tournament opener.
Former University of Utah wing Pelle Larsson scored 10 points on 3-8 shooting for Sweden, while former Ute Miro Little added five points on 1-4 shooting for Finland.
The Finnish national team will be back in action on Friday against Great Britain.
Nurkic, Procida Set To Tip-Off Thursday
Markkanen isn’t the only player with Jazz ties competing at EuroBasket.
Recently acquired Jusuf Nurkic will play for Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Gabriele Procida, whose draft rights belong to the Jazz, will suit up for Italy.
Both players open EuroBasket play on Thursday.
Finland – EuroBasket 2025 Schedule (Mountain Time)
| Date | Time | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 27 | 11:30 AM | Win over Sweden |
| Aug 29 | 11:30 AM | vs. Great Britain |
| Aug 30 | 11:30 AM | vs. Montenegro |
| Sep 01 | 11:30 AM | vs. Lithuania |
| Sep 03 | 11:30 AM | vs. Germany |
Bosnia and Herzegovina – EuroBasket 2025 Schedule (Mountain Time)
| Date | Time | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 28 | 09:15 AM | vs. Cyprus |
| Aug 30 | 12:30 PM | vs. Spain |
| Aug 31 | 12:30 PM | vs. Italy |
| Sep 02 | 06:00 AM | vs. Greece |
| Sep 04 | 06:00 AM | vs. Georgia |
Italy – EuroBasket 2025 Schedule (Mountain Time)
| Date | Time | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 28 | 12:30 PM | vs. Greece |
| Aug 30 | 06:00 AM | vs. Georgia |
| Aug 31 | 12:30 PM | vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Sep 02 | 12:30 PM | vs. Spain |
| Sep 04 | 09:15 AM | vs. Cyprus |
How To Watch EuroBasket In USA
- Primary streaming to watch EuroBasket 2025 will be available on Courtside 1891 via the DAZN app.
- Premium viewing, including the ability to watch and replay games, will require Courtside 1891 Max, which costs $29.99.
- Select games can be watched for free via the FIBA YouTube channel.
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Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.
