NBA Veteran Nurkic Warns Giannis Ahead EuroBasket Greece,Bosnia Match

Ahead of the EuroBasket 2025 group stage game between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Greece, Jusuf Nurkic, a Utah Jazz big man, issued a pointed challenge to Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks star and two-time NBA MVP. Nurkic suggested that slowing Antetokounmpo in transition defense and forcing him to take contested shots could be a winning strategy, noting that Giannis has struggled against such defenses in previous EuroBasket tournaments. Despite Nurkic's remarks, Antetokounmpo has been a dominant force for Greece, leading them to strong performances and already securing a knockout stage spot. Antetokounmpo's European game differs from his NBA play due to a smaller court and lack of defensive three-second rule, making his usual rim attacks more challenging. Nurkic emphasized the need to build a defensive wall not just against Giannis but to also guard against three-point threats from other players. This rivalry highlights the tactical adjustments and intense competition as both players prepare for a key international showdown.