Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Stellar Performance Propels Greece to Victory
In a commanding display of athleticism and precision, Giannis Antetokounmpo led Greece to a resounding 109-82 victory over the Dominican Republic in the Group B stage of the Olympic qualifying tournament held in Piraeus, Greece. Antetokounmpo’s exceptional performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he scored 32 points in just 19 minutes on the court.
Antetokounmpo’s near-perfect execution saw him making all 11 of his field goal attempts and going 9-of-13 from the free-throw line. The Greek superstar also drained his only three-point attempt, showcasing a well-rounded offensive prowess. Vassilis Spanoulis, reflecting on Antetokounmpo’s contribution, noted, "Giannis loves to be here. He loves to represent his country. He's very humble. He's part of the team. For a superstar you don't find this easy. ... He's about winning."
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Antetokounmpo’s performance headlined Greece’s victory, the contributions from his teammates were equally important. Thomas Walkup added 17 points, ensuring a balanced offensive effort from Greece. The team’s collective play saw them leading by as many as 27 points during the game.
With this victory, Greece now needs a win over Egypt on Thursday to secure a spot in the semifinal round. The tournament in Greece is a crucial part of a larger series of qualifiers also taking place in Latvia, Puerto Rico, and Spain. Four participants in the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics will be determined by these qualifiers, with group play wrapping up on Thursday, followed by the semifinals on Saturday and the championship games on Sunday.
New Zealand’s Resilient Win
In Group A action in Piraeus, New Zealand edged past Croatia with a narrow 90-86 victory. Corey Webster and Shea Ili were instrumental for New Zealand, scoring 21 and 18 points respectively. Ili’s crucial layup in the final minute sealed the win for his team. "It was a gutsy win for our team," said Reuben Te Rangi, reflecting the team’s determination and effort.
Despite the loss, Croatia’s Ivica Zubac delivered a stellar performance with 29 points and 16 rebounds. Dario Saric and Mario Hezonja also made significant contributions. Croatia’s fate in the tournament hinges on the performance of Slovenia in their upcoming match against New Zealand. If Slovenia fails to defeat New Zealand by 21 points or more, Croatia will secure their place in the semifinals.
Montenegro’s Narrow Triumph
Over in Riga, Latvia, Montenegro managed to overcome Cameroon with a hard-fought 70-66 victory. Marko Simonovic led Montenegro with 18 points and six rebounds, and the team showcased depth with five players scoring in double figures. Nikola Vucevic bolstered the effort with 11 points and 14 rebounds. Montenegro’s efficiency at the free-throw line was notable, hitting 20 out of 24 attempts.
Cameroon put up a valiant fight with Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba and Jordan Bayehe each scoring 14 points, but it was not enough to surmount Montenegro’s lead.
The Bahamas Shine in Spain
In Valencia, Spain, the Bahamas advanced to the knockout round with a solid team performance. Valdez Edgecombe Jr. led the way with 21 points, while Deandre Ayton added 18 points and nine rebounds. The Bahamas were sharp from beyond the arc, making 13 three-pointers, and demonstrated exceptional teamwork with 24 assists on 31 field goals. Buddy Hield contributed significantly as well, with 17 points and 10 assists.
The Bahamas currently holds a strong 2-0 record in Group B. Poland and Finland are set to compete to decide who will join the Bahamas in the semifinals.
Philippines and Spain Triumph
The Philippines secured an 89-80 victory over Latvia, led by Justin Brownlee’s 26 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Kai Sotto also made a noteworthy impact with 18 points and eight rebounds. Although Latvia managed to reduce a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to 10 points, it wasn’t enough to change the game's outcome. Rodions Kurucs led Latvia with 18 points.
In another matchup, Spain emerged victorious against Angola with an 89-81 scoreline. Santiago Aldama paced Spain with 24 points, while Willy Hernangomez added a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Jilson Bango was a standout for Angola, scoring 15 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Angola now faces a must-win situation against Lebanon to advance to the knockout round alongside Spain.