Giannis Antetokounmpo showcased his prowess by spearheading Greece to a commanding 109-82 victory over the Dominican Republic in the Group B stage of the Olympic qualifying tournament held in Piraeus, Greece. The NBA superstar dazzled the crowd with an outstanding performance, scoring 32 points in just 19 minutes of play.
Antetokounmpo's efficiency was off the charts, making all 11 of his field goal attempts. Additionally, he went 9-of-13 from the free-throw line and sank his only three-point attempt. His stellar showing drew high praise from fans and teammates alike, emphasizing his dedication to national pride and team success. Vassilis Spanoulis, a prominent figure in Greek basketball, remarked, "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."
Teammates Stepping Up
While Antetokounmpo was undoubtedly the star of the night, he wasn't the only contributor to Greece's victory. Thomas Walkup added 17 points, helping Greece build a lead that stretched to as many as 27 points. This comprehensive win has positioned Greece favorably, but they need a victory over Egypt on Thursday to advance to the semifinal round.
The qualifiers in Greece are part of a larger series of tournaments happening simultaneously in Latvia, Puerto Rico, and Spain, determining four participants for the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Group play will conclude on Thursday, followed by semifinal matches on Saturday and championship games on Sunday.
New Zealand's Nail-Biter
In Group A action in Piraeus, New Zealand edged out Croatia with a narrow 90-86 victory. Corey Webster led the charge with 21 points, while Shea Ili added 18 points, including a crucial layup in the final minute that sealed the win. Reuben Te Rangi aptly summed up the match's intensity, stating, "It was a gutsy win for our team."
Despite the loss, Croatia's superstar Ivica Zubac was phenomenal, scoring 29 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. Dario Saric and Mario Hezonja also made significant contributions for Croatia. The team's four-point differential keeps their semifinal hopes alive, provided Slovenia does not defeat New Zealand by 21 points or more. Reflecting on the matchup, Saric commented, "It was a tough spot playing after an emotional win over Slovenia. We were hoping we'd be on a level and push the game in our direction. But today wasn't the case."
Montenegro Prevails in Riga
Over in Riga, Latvia, Montenegro overcame a stiff challenge from Cameroon, securing a 70-66 victory. Marko Simonovic led Montenegro with 18 points and six rebounds, while Nikola Vucevic added 11 points and 14 rebounds. Montenegro's balanced scoring saw five players finish in double figures.
Cameroon fought valiantly, led by Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba and Jordan Bayehe, who each scored 14 points. Despite a close halftime score of 32-29 in Montenegro's favor, the European side's accuracy at the free-throw line, converting 20 out of 24 attempts, proved decisive.
The Bahamas Rise in Valencia
In Valencia, Spain, the Bahamas displayed remarkable form to advance to the knockout round. Valdez Edgecombe Jr. shone with 21 points, and NBA star Deandre Ayton contributed 18 points and nine rebounds. The Bahamas' team effort was evident, with Buddy Hield providing 17 points and 10 assists. A stunning 13 successful three-pointers and 24 assists on 31 field goals underscored the team's proficient execution on the court.
Holding a 2-0 record in Group B, the Bahamas await the outcome of the clash between Poland and Finland to determine their semifinal opponent.
Philippines Overpower Latvia
In yet another thrilling encounter, the Philippines emerged victorious over Latvia with an 89-80 win. Justin Brownlee was the standout performer, nearly securing a triple-double with 26 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Kai Sotto added 18 points and eight rebounds, bolstering the Philippines' efforts.
Latvia's fightback in the fourth quarter, cutting a 21-point deficit to just 10 points, was led by Rodions Kurucs, who scored 18 points. However, it wasn't enough to overturn the Philippines' dominant performance.
Spain Holds Ground Against Angola
Spain managed to fend off Angola with an 89-81 victory, thanks to standout performances from Santiago Aldama and Willy Hernangomez. Aldama scored 24 points, while Hernangomez added 22 points and 10 rebounds. Angola's Jilson Bango put up a spirited fight with 15 points and nine rebounds, and his team now faces a crucial match against Lebanon to advance to the knockout round alongside Spain.
As the groups prepare for their final matches, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the qualifiers, promising high-stakes basketball and the ultimate dream of securing a place in the 2024 Paris Olympics.