No Dunks Podcast Summary

Episode: MVP Schroder Takes Over Late As Germany Wins EuroBasket Gold | Immediate Reax
Date: September 14, 2025
Hosts: Tas Melas (A), Trey Kirby (B)

Episode Overview

This episode of No Dunks offers an immediate, in-depth reaction to the thrilling EuroBasket 2025 gold medal game, where Dennis Schroder led Germany to victory over Turkey. The conversation covers the game’s dramatic finish, tactical decisions, standout performances, and broader reflections on players’ legacies and international basketball. The hosts also discuss the bronze medal game between Greece and Finland, highlighting Giannis Antetokounmpo’s emotional milestone and the tournament’s overall excitement.

Key Discussion Points

The Gold Medal Classic: Germany vs. Turkey

• Final Moments & Clutch Performances

  • Dennis Schroder sealed the win with two decisive plays: a lefty finger roll and a midrange jumper in the final minute (01:37–02:37).
  • Isaac Bonga and Daniel Theis hit important late threes, showing Germany’s depth (02:37).
  • Turkey’s Alperen Şengün missed a key shot and a clutch three late, while Germany’s poise proved decisive.

• Game Flow & Tactical Turning Points

  • Germany repeated their knockout round formula: solid for most of the game, then dominant in closing minutes (01:37).
  • A critical coaching decision benched Şengün for the opening minutes of the second half due to foul trouble, allowing Germany to erase a Turkish lead (04:10–05:30).
  • Turkey’s last offensive possession lacked structure, leading to an ineffective isolation play and a missed chance to tie (04:10).

• Schroder’s Game and MVP Credentials

  • Schroder finished with 16 points, 12 assists, and both game-deciding field goals (06:43).
  • The win gave him an edge over contenders like Şengün and Giannis for tournament MVP.
  • “He hit the massive shots. He’s got the stones. Give him the MVP.” – Trey (07:14)

• German Team Depth

  • Franz Wagner starred early, showing elite footwork and control but cooled in the second half (07:15–08:56).
  • Bonga (20 pts, 5 rebs, 3 asts, 4/4 from three) was “consistent all night” and key in shifting the early momentum (10:03–11:30).
  • Tristan Da Silva and supporting cast contributed timely offense; Daniel Theis hit a late three despite previous struggles.

• Turkish Side & Key Players

  • Şengün delivered 28 points, 50% shooting, 3 assists, and 3 blocks but was hampered by foul trouble and late-game misses (04:10).
  • Shane Larkin orchestrated offense in crunch time, Chetty Osman was vital as a ‘Franz stopper’ (15:01), and Adam Bona brought energy and rim protection.

Memorable Quotes

• “Schroder…turned it on when he needed to those last couple minutes.” – Tas (07:15)
• “Every, like, support player for both teams, it felt like played really well…considering the pressure…” – Trey (10:03)
• “Isaac Bonga coming through big with those threes…when all the attention’s on the other side of the floor.” – Tas (09:29)

Notable Game Moments (Timestamps)

• Clutch Germany shots: Bonga dunk (2:19 left), Theis three (1:49 left), Schroder finger roll (1:15 left), Schroder jumper (last min) (02:37)
• Turnovers and Steals: Schroder’s crucial backcourt steal on Larkin (08:56)
• Bizarre Play: Schroder inbounds off Şengün’s backside, leading to an assist (16:58)
• Historic Context: Germany joins USSR, Yugoslavia, and Spain as sole holders of EuroBasket and World Cup at the same time (17:20)

Greece vs. Finland: The Bronze Medal Thriller

• Summary of the Finish

  • Greece nearly surrendered a 14-point lead in the closing minutes.
  • Finland missed a tying free throw with seconds left, then failed on a last-gasp putback, allowing Greece to secure bronze (18:41–19:30).

• Giannis’s Milestone

  • 30 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists; “Coming in third in the EuroBasket Championship is the greatest accomplishment in his life” – referencing both EuroBasket and his NBA title (18:47–19:30).
  • Emotional postgame, celebrating with his kids and referencing his passing skills with a joke (“Check my YouTubes, man, I’m a pretty good passer”).

• Supporting Greek Performances

  • Tyler Dorsey was electric (20 points, 5 threes), giving Greece a boost (22:03).
  • Toleopoulos added 15 points with reliable outside shooting (22:37).

• Finland’s Fight

  • Led by Lauri Markkanen’s late surge; Mika Määrinen, a young and much-discussed player (“the Finnish Freak”), had a subdued but high-profile tournament (24:08).
  • Finnish fans, dubbed the “wolf pack,” brought energy and color to the stands (26:45).

Memorable Quotes

• “Coming in third in the EuroBasket Championship is the greatest accomplishment in his life, while also referencing the fact, yeah, I know I won the NBA championship, but this means a lot more to me.” – Tas (19:30)
• “Full on Giannis in this game, just like we have this whole tournament.” – Tas (21:44)

Broader Reflections & Player Legacies

• Schroder’s International Case

  • Debated as a Hall of Fame candidate based on FIBA success plus NBA career (27:38–28:46).
  • “He was setting the table for the most part in this game until he hit the two big shots down the stretch…He was really great.” – Trey (27:38)

• International vs NBA Play

  • Noted contrast in energy and atmosphere: every EuroBasket game feels like “a Game Seven” (26:45).
  • FIBA allows former NBA role players (Bonga, Osman) and rising prospects (Bona) to shine.

Lighter Moments & Inside Jokes

• Hosts joke about Scooby-Doo-like “Wolf Pack” fans in Finland (26:45).
• “Bona fide big play!” – Commentary on Adam Bona’s game and torn jersey (11:30).
• Cheeky quip about Giannis’s children one day forming the Greek starting five (22:03).
• Playful ribbing about German fans and the rare achievement of holding both FIBA crowns (17:20).

Key Segment Timestamps

| Time | Segment | |---------|----------------------------------------------| | 00:48 | Setting the stage: Germany vs Turkey recap | | 01:37 | Endgame breakdown, Germany’s clutch plays | | 04:10 | Şengün’s performance and tactical decisions | | 07:14 | Schroder’s MVP argument | | 08:56 | Wagner analysis & game-critical turnovers | | 10:03 | Bonga’s impact and supporting cast discussion| | 15:01 | Osman’s defense and career reflections | | 16:58 | Schroder’s “butt inbound” play | | 17:20 | Germany’s place in basketball history | | 18:41 | Greece vs Finland bronze medal breakdown | | 19:30 | Giannis’s postgame reaction | | 22:03 | Dorsey’s contribution | | 24:08 | Mika Määrinen discussion | | 26:45 | The Wolf Pack and EuroBasket’s passion | | 27:38 | Schroder’s legacy and Hall of Fame case |

Closing Remarks

• The hosts praise the intensity and unpredictability of FIBA basketball and the joy of seeing players step up on the international stage.
• They tease forthcoming NBA mailbags and return of “Top Shot Hot Boys,” closing with playful banter about German celebrations and the anticipation for the new NBA season.

Final words:
“Germany are the world champions of basketball.” (30:59)

This summary captures the episode’s excitement, expert breakdowns, and wide-ranging reflections on EuroBasket 2025’s climactic finish.