No Dunks Podcast Summary

Episode: "Upset City At EuroBasket, Plus Luka & Giannis Carry Teams To Quarterfinals"
Date: September 7, 2025
Hosts: Tas Melas and Trey Kirby

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the dramatic EuroBasket 2025 elimination round, recapping the upset-rich Round of 16 and previewing the quarterfinals. The No Dunks crew (Tas and Trey) keep it light and lively as they analyze major games, spotlight breakout performances, debate MVP candidates, and celebrate EuroBasket's uniquely unpredictable charm. The episode captures key moments from standout NBA stars like Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokić, as well as unsung European heroes who stepped up when it mattered most.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Finland's Historic Upset Over Serbia (Nikola Jokić Out)

• [01:29 – 07:49]
  • Main Story: Finland beats tournament favorite Serbia, knocking out Nikola Jokić in the Round of 16.
  • Markkanen wasn't efficient but was relentless: 29 points, 8 rebounds, key plays, set the tone early.
  • Young gun Miran (nicknamed "Slim Jesus," just 18) talked trash while hitting clutch shots and played beyond his years.
  • Elias Valtonen (virtually unknown in the US, role player at Arizona State) surprised with 8 points in the game's final two minutes, hitting big threes directly over Jokić.
  • Quote:
    • "At one point, [EuroBasket X] called it the biggest upset of EuroBasket 2025… then 'one of the biggest upsets in the history of basketball'...then 'upset of the century.'" — Trey ([02:06])
    • "Finland had 20 offensive rebounds on 44 misses. So you're basically getting an offensive rebound every second miss. I mean, do you want it more? Yeah, they did." — Tas ([05:24])

2. Luka Dončić Dominates Italy for Slovenia

• [09:06 – 13:42]
  • Luka drops 42 points (42 of 84, nearly half his team’s points) with only one assist—clearly hunting his shot.
  • Notably, Luka put in a standout defensive performance, including fighting through injury (banged knees, went to locker room, kept playing).
  • Comic moment: Postgame, a sweat-drenched Luka tries (unsuccessfully) to hug Rudy Fernandez.
  • Hosts marvel at Luka’s unique combo of scoring, complaining, and charisma.
  • Quote:
    • "The best Luka Dončić defensive game I've ever seen. That ain't misinformation. I want EuroBasket to tweet that." — Tas ([08:56])
    • "He looks like the best player in the world right now, especially since Serbia got bounced early." — Trey ([09:28])

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo Powers Greece Past Israel

• [14:10 – 19:26]
  • Giannis owns the game: 37 points, unstoppable in transition and in the paint.
  • Greece’s role players did just enough; Israel could not contain Giannis, especially without Sorkin and with Abvdija stymied by Greek defense.
  • Greece didn’t shoot well from three (4-25) or the line but dominated with offensive rebounding and Giannis' second-chance points.
  • Quote:
    • "37 for Giannis… anytime Greece missed, it seemed like they were getting the ball back off the offensive rebound. And when it came down to it, they could just throw it up to Giannis and he would dunk it pretty easily." — Trey ([15:03])
    • "Giannis was literally kicking ass... helped getting him that space. Others were drawing some attention, and he was... dancing out there. The Euro step was really happening." — Tas ([16:55])

4. Germany’s Depth Prevails Against Portugal

• [20:07 – 23:58]
  • Close game through three quarters before Germany blitzes Portugal with a 33–7 final quarter.
  • Maodo Lo comes off the bench, catches fire from three and shifts the momentum.
  • Germany’s depth (Franz Wagner, Tristan Da Silva) makes them title favorites.
  • Hosts riff on first names on jerseys, referencing NBA possibilities.
  • Quote:
    • "Germany looked like they were in danger of an upset, but then in that last quarter you're like, oh right, they're a well-oiled offensive machine." — Trey ([21:10])

5. Lithuania Overcomes Latvia in Hostile Environment

• [24:45 – 28:26]
  • Porzingis (Latvia): 34 points, 19 rebounds, dominant but not enough.
  • Lithuania’s Arnitz Velicka (aka “Baltic Mamba”; 21 points, 12 assists) steps in for injured lead guard—energetic two-way performance.
  • Smart move: Lithuanian coach brings Jonas Valančiūnas off the bench, prioritizing mobility over size.
  • Quote:
    • "He was in complete control of the game and that was the difference for Lithuania." — Trey ([25:10])
    • "Porzingis played great... all those Lithuanian fans were there for their team and, and all of the Latvian fans obviously there for them. He was into it..." — Tas ([25:52])

6. Georgia Stuns France: Guard Play Wins Out

• [29:07 – 34:06]
  • Georgia's backcourt (Kamer Baldwin, Tornike Shengelia) outplays France’s guards.
  • France ice cold from three (6–36); youth and inexperience show without Wembanyama.
  • Mamu (Sandro Mamukelashvili) continues strong tournament, 14 points/11 rebounds.
  • Quote:
    • "We talked about how France has good depth on the wing... but maybe their backcourt was going to be their Achilles heel and it ended up being their achilles heel." — Trey ([29:07])
    • "Kamar Baldwin comes in creating his own threes...he was the best guard in this game, no doubt..." — Tas ([30:21])

7. Turkey’s Alperen Şengün Makes His Case for MVP

• [35:19 – 38:24]
  • Şengün posts monster stats (24 pts, 16 rebs, 6 ast, 2 blks), leads Turkey over Sweden.
  • Emphasis on his impact in clutch: big rebounds, timely offense, and signature Euro Steps.
  • Role players (Cedi Osman, Adam Bona, Shane Larkin) contribute heavy minutes.
  • Türkiye uses short rotation but gets strong play down the roster.
  • Quote:
    • "After The Swedes made a pretty decent comeback, it was Shengün getting busy on the offensive glass... I would vote for Sengun as MVP of the tournament so far." — Trey ([35:19])

8. Poland’s Jordan Loyd Steps Up; Quarterfinal Bracket Set

• [38:49 – 41:00]
  • Loyd scored 28 points, leading Poland’s methodical win over Bosnia; widely considered all-tournament team material.
  • Poland’s teamwork and steadiness highlighted, with Panitka providing solid support.
  • Banter: Loyd playing like “the new Ronde Hollis Jefferson” and should put “Jordan” on his jersey.
  • Bracket breakdown:
    • (Tuesday) Lithuania vs Greece, Turkey vs Poland
    • (Wednesday) Germany vs Slovenia, Finland vs Georgia
  • Quote:
    • "Jordan Lloyd’s probably an all-tournament team guy... looks like an absolute star. He’s the new Ronde Hollis Jefferson as far as I’m concerned." — Trey ([39:13])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Finland’s upset:

  • "You said Serbia was vulnerable... after the injury to Bogdan Bogdanovic, they didn't look quite as tough. And you also said the five out attack of Finland is going to be tough for Nikola Jokić to guard. And guess what? It was." — Trey ([02:06])

• On Luka’s showmanship:

  • "He was yapping with the referees... Eurobasket should make a montage of all the times he bickers at referees because he does it so well." — Tas ([11:12])

• On Turkey’s MVP candidate:

  • "He is kind of the definition of the Euro step right now. I feel like every single one of his baskets in the lane is him sidestepping a guy as he's rumbling down." — Trey ([35:19])

• On EuroBasket’s unpredictability:

  • "Anything can happen in these single elimination games...these are all big moments. And Finland can win a big game like this." — Tas ([07:49])

• On quarterfinal clash stakes:

  • "It's totally cool and totally right if EuroBasket tweets, that is the biggest win for Finland in their EuroBasket history. Or Euro Georgia. Same thing." — Tas ([44:15])

Important Timestamps

• 01:29 – 07:49: Finland’s win over Serbia, in-depth analysis and breakdown.
• 09:06 – 13:42: Slovenia-Italy recap, Luka Dončić’s superhuman night.
• 14:10 – 19:26: Greece-Israel, Giannis in full MVP mode.
• 20:07 – 23:58: Germany’s late surge over Portugal, Jokic jokes & jersey banter.
• 24:45 – 28:26: Lithuania’s big win in Latvia, Porzingis star stats, Velicka breakout.
• 29:07 – 34:06: Georgia’s upset over France, guard play focus.
• 35:19 – 38:24: Turkey dispatches Sweden, Şengün’s ascendance.
• 38:49 – 41:00: Poland’s steady advance, Jordan Loyd praise.

Episode Tone

• Light, witty, and high-energy, with basketball analysis mixed with inside jokes, references to NBA culture, and plenty of admiration for EuroBasket’s unique style and drama.

Quarterfinal Matchups Set (as of Episode End)

| Matchup | Date | |-------------------------|-----------| | Lithuania vs Greece | Tuesday | | Turkey vs Poland | Tuesday | | Germany vs Slovenia | Wednesday | | Finland vs Georgia | Wednesday |

Final Note:
The hosts will be back after Wednesday’s games for more analysis and EuroBasket fun.

“This was the greatest Eurobasket podcast of the century.” — [46:26]