Giannis Antetokounmpo's Stellar Performance Helps Greece Triumph Over Dominican Republic
In a dazzling display of skill and dominance, 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. The Milwaukee Bucks superstar made a significant impact in minimal time, scoring an impressive 32 points in just 19 minutes on the court, while maintaining a flawless shooting record by converting all 11 of his field goal attempts. Antetokounmpo also demonstrated his proficiency from the free-throw line, going 9-of-13, and sank his sole three-point shot, showcasing his well-rounded offensive game.
"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," said Vassilis Spanoulis, reflecting on the camaraderie and dedication Antetokounmpo brings to the team.
Greece's victory was not a solo effort, as Thomas Walkup also made notable contributions with 17 points. The team's overall performance was dominant, leading by as many as 27 points during the game. The focus now shifts to their crucial upcoming match against Egypt on Thursday, where a victory is needed to secure a spot in the semifinal round.
The qualifiers in Greece are part of a broader series of tournaments taking place in Latvia, Puerto Rico, and Spain, with the aim of determining four participants for the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Group play at all four venues will conclude on Thursday, followed by semifinal matches on Saturday and championship games on Sunday.
In other Group A action in Piraeus, New Zealand eked out a narrow 90-86 win over Croatia, thanks in large part to the contributions of Corey Webster and Shea Ili, who scored 21 and 18 points respectively. Ili's decisive layup in the final minute sealed the victory for New Zealand.
Despite the loss, Croatia's Ivica Zubac delivered a standout performance with 29 points and 16 rebounds. Teammates Dario Saric and Mario Hezonja also played pivotal roles. Reflecting on the game, Saric remarked, "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." However, Croatia's four-point differential keeps their semifinal hopes alive, dependent on Slovenia not defeating New Zealand by 21 points or more. Croatia previously registered an impressive 108-92 victory over Slovenia.
Meanwhile, in Riga, Latvia, Montenegro secured a hard-fought 70-66 victory over Cameroon. Marko Simonovic led the charge for Montenegro, scoring 18 points and grabbing six rebounds. The team showcased its depth with five players scoring in double figures. Nikola Vucevic added 11 points and 14 rebounds, and the team’s efficiency from the free-throw line was evident, hitting 20 out of 24 attempts. For Cameroon, Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba and Jordan Bayehe both contributed 14 points.
In Spain, the Bahamas advanced to the knockout round in Valencia, spearheaded by a stellar performance from Valdez Edgecombe Jr., who scored 21 points. Deandre Ayton contributed 18 points and nine rebounds, while Buddy Hield chipped in with 17 points and 10 assists. The Bahamas exhibited a lethal shooting touch from deep, making 13 successful three-pointers and recording 24 assists on 31 field goals. Their 2-0 record in Group B sets a strong foundation, as Poland and Finland are set to compete for the remaining semifinalist spot.
The Philippines also saw success, defeating Latvia 89-80 in a game where Justin Brownlee put up 26 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Kai Sotto added 18 points and eight rebounds. Latvia attempted a comeback, cutting a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to 10 points, but it wasn't enough. Rodions Kurucs led Latvia with 18 points.
In another notable matchup, Spain triumphed over Angola 89-81, with Santiago Aldama shining bright, scoring 24 points. Willy Hernangomez added 22 points and 10 rebounds, contributing significantly to Spain's win. Jilson Bango of Angola managed 15 points and nine rebounds in a valiant effort. Angola now needs a victory against Lebanon to continue their tournament journey alongside Spain.
As the qualifying tournaments progress, teams from around the world are putting forth their best efforts to secure a coveted spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics, showcasing the global passion and competitive spirit of basketball.