Nurkić's Insights on Stopping Antetokounmpo

Veteran big man Jusuf Nurkić has expressed confidence in his team's preparation for the upcoming meeting with nine-time NBA All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo during the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket. In a recent statement, Nurkić outlined a strategic approach to mitigate the impact of the Greek superstar.

"But at the end of the day, just stop him in transition and live with his shots," Nurkić remarked, highlighting a critical aspect of his defensive strategy. While acknowledging Antetokounmpo's impressive skillset, he noted that the Milwaukee Bucks forward has struggled against specific defensive setups in EuroBasket play over the years. "Generally, he's sucked at those defenses the last few years he's played in EuroBasket. But it's not only him, so we will be ready," he added.

Differences Between NBA and FIBA Play

Nurkić elaborated on how the differences between the NBA and international play could pose challenges for Antetokounmpo. "In the NBA, he has so much space, with shooters like Brook Lopez spreading the floor; he's almost unstoppable. Here it's another game — no defensive three seconds, so much happening in the paint — but he's still a dominant player," said Nurkić.

Antetokounmpo himself acknowledged the need to adapt his game to fit the FIBA style, stating, "The style of basketball in Europe, or FIBA basketball, is totally different. The space — it's very hard to score. It's very hard to operate. You can't move. They allow you to be so much more physical." He continued by emphasizing the long-term benefits of playing internationally, mentioning that figuring out how to navigate tighter spaces can enhance a player's performance back in the NBA.

The Challenge Ahead

While it is well-known that Antetokounmpo has shot only 28.4 percent from beyond the arc in the NBA and tends to dominate near the basket, Nurkić understands that FIBA rules provide teams with unique tools to contain him. Despite defensive strategies aiming to make Antetokounmpo a jump shooter, it’s important to note that the 6'11" forward averaged an impressive 29 points and 7.5 rebounds in his first two EuroBasket appearances. As such, it remains uncertain whether Nurkić and the Bosnian team can truly neutralize his impact when they face off.