Finland's Markkanen struggles in basketball loss to Sweden

Finland's men's basketball team, Susijengi, suffered a disappointing 81-86 home loss to Sweden in their World Cup qualifying match in Helsinki. The game's standout player was Sweden's NBA star Pelle Larsson, who outshone Finland's own NBA talent, Lauri Markkanen.

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The body felt really good today and the movement felt really good. I just couldn't see a few easy baskets go in and get into that rhythm. Sometimes it's just difficult.

Markkanen's performance was statistically one of his least effective in his national team career. He managed only 11 points, making just two field goals and missing all nine of his three-point attempts. Despite feeling physically well and moving freely, Markkanen struggled to find a rhythm, a stark contrast to his previous games in July. "The body felt really good today and the movement felt really good. I just couldn't see a few easy baskets go in and get into that rhythm. Sometimes it's just difficult," Markkanen said post-game.

He expressed frustration with not meeting his own high expectations, which he stated are even higher than those of external observers. "The direction is right, but of course this does not meet my own expectations. They are still higher than the expectations of outsiders. It's naturally frustrating when you can't meet your own expectations. It fuels more motivation," he added.

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The direction is right, but of course this does not meet my own expectations. They are still higher than the expectations of outsiders. It's naturally frustrating when you can't meet your own expectations. It fuels more motivation.

During a strong third-quarter run where Finland briefly led by seven points, Markkanen showed flashes of his usual form, driving aggressively to the basket. However, a timeout called by Sweden seemed to disrupt Finland's momentum, and Markkanen was substituted out. "Basketball is a game of runs. When we get on a roll, we know the opponent will too. Our bad moment after a good moment was too long, and we let them back in the lead," Markkanen reflected.

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Basketball is a game of runs. When we get on a roll, we know the opponent will too. Our bad moment after a good moment was too long, and we let them back in the lead.

Despite the setback, Markkanen believes the team is improving and is optimistic about their next qualifier against Estonia in Tallinn. "You don't need to stress about it. Tomorrow, repetitions in. Everything felt good and we got good shooting spots. The shots just need to go in," he concluded.

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You don't need to stress about it. Tomorrow, repetitions in. Everything felt good and we got good shooting spots. The shots just need to go in.