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)