EuroBasket just got wild! Defending champions Spain were completely blindsided by Georgia in a massive upset. Sandro Mamukelashvili led the charge, leaving everyone wondering: is this the start of a Cinderella story, or just a minor stumble for the giants? You won’t believe how it all went down!

The EuroBasket tournament has already delivered its first major shockwave, as the underdog Georgian national team pulled off a remarkable 83-69 upset victory over defending champion Spain. This stunning performance, fueled by a dominant second-half surge, immediately sets a dramatic tone for the prestigious European basketball competition.

Led by an outstanding effort from Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili, Georgia showcased incredible resilience and tactical prowess. Mamukelashvili was the linchpin of Georgia’s attack, contributing 19 points and driving much of their offensive success against the highly favored Spanish squad.

Spain, typically a powerhouse in international basketball, struggled to find their rhythm throughout the contest. Their performance was notably disjointed, particularly from the free-throw line where they converted only 6 of 13 attempts. Despite trailing by a narrow margin heading into the fourth quarter, Spain ultimately buckled under Georgia’s relentless pressure.

The decisive moment arrived in the final period when Georgia unleashed an explosive 11-2 run, effectively sealing their unexpected triumph. This burst of scoring and defensive intensity demonstrated Georgia’s determination and ability to perform under high-stakes circumstances, leaving the reigning champions reeling.

Further compounding Spain’s woes was Georgia’s superior rebounding effort, outrebounding Spain by a significant margin of 46-29. Mamukelashvili himself was instrumental on the boards, grabbing seven rebounds to go along with his six assists, highlighting his all-around impact on the game.

While Georgia celebrated its historic upset, other EuroBasket contenders had more straightforward outings. Poland, spearheaded by American-born guard Jordan Loyd’s incredible 32 points and seven 3-pointers, managed to outlast Luka Dončić’s Slovenia in a thrilling 105-95 opener, showcasing another compelling early tournament battle.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a masterclass for Greece, scoring 31 points in just 29 minutes as his team comfortably defeated Italy 75-66. Greece’s efficient shooting, hitting 62% from the field, underscored their dominant performance and their aspirations for a deep run in the tournament. In another Group D clash, Israel secured an 83-71 victory over Iceland, maintaining a lead from a strong opening quarter surge.