In one word: extraordinary. Israel recorded one of its greatest EuroBasket victories on Sunday, defeating France 82-69. The French team, Olympic silver medalists and one of the tournament favorites, suffered its first loss of the championship.

Though it was only the third game of the group stage, the win sent a clear message from coach Ariel Beit-Halachmi’s squad. Israel improved to a 1-2 record and snapped a five-game losing streak against France. The victory also brings the Blue and Whites closer to the EuroBasket round of 16 for the first time since 2015.

Despite missing key players like Victor Wembanyama and Evan Fournier—who retired from international play—France still fielded one of the tournament’s deepest and most talented rosters, with all 12 players active in the NBA or EuroLeague, including the top two picks from last year’s NBA draft, Zachary Rizoshe and Alex Sar.

That didn’t stop Israel’s stars, led by NBA player Deni Avdija (23 points), Yam Madar (17 points), and Tomer Ginat, from showcasing aggressive defense and relentless effort. Israel overcame a double-digit deficit in the first quarter and dominated the fourth quarter 27-13, delivering a performance that will be remembered as one of the country’s greatest basketball achievements.

Before the game, tensions flared off the court as Israeli fans arriving at Katowice’s Spodek Arena were barred from bringing in a flag featuring the emblem of hostages held in Gaza.

Security told fans they had to either deposit the flag or discard it to enter. The decision followed a similar incident on the tournament’s opening day, when fans were prohibited from raising a flag in memory of Shaked Habani, killed in the October 7 Nova Music Festival terror attack

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Israeli fans during the game against Iceland

(Photo: FIBA)

On Saturday, during the game against Poland, Israeli fans reported irregularities, including local supporters sitting in sections designated for Israelis and inadequate security separating Polish fans from the visiting Israeli section. Polish fans also booed during the playing of “Hatikva,” Israel’s national anthem, before tipoff.