Finland will compete with Germany for a spot in the final of the Men's Basketball European Championship semifinals. Before the game, Markkanen said in an interview that he hopes to replicate the achievements of German legend Nowitzki.

Markkanen said, "I've had several exchanges with Dirk, he's a great guy and certainly a great player. I just hope I can do something like he had done, he is one of the greatest players of all time, so the road is destined to be difficult, but I will do my best."