Giannis Antetokounmpo showcased his brilliance on the court, leading Greece to a 109-82 victory over the Dominican Republic in the Group B stage of the Olympic qualifying tournament in Piraeus, Greece. Antetokounmpo's remarkable performance, which included 32 points scored in just 19 minutes, highlighted his efficiency and pivotal role in Greece's triumph.
The Greek star was unstoppable, making all 11 of his field goal attempts and going 9-of-13 from the free-throw line. His dominance was further accentuated when he sank his only three-point attempt of the game. His teammate, Thomas Walkup, also made significant contributions with 17 points, helping Greece establish a lead of up to 27 points during the game.
Vassilis Spanoulis, reflecting on Antetokounmpo's impact, said, "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."
The road ahead for Greece requires a win over Egypt on Thursday to advance to the semifinal round. Success in Greece’s Olympic qualifiers is paramount, as four slots in men's basketball for the 2024 Paris Olympics will be determined by these tournaments. The qualifiers span across Latvia, Puerto Rico, and Spain, with group play wrapping up on Thursday, followed by semifinal matches on Saturday and championship games on Sunday.
New Zealand's Narrow Victory
In another thrilling encounter in Piraeus, New Zealand edged past Croatia with a 90-86 victory in Group A. Corey Webster and Shea Ili were the standout performers for New Zealand, scoring 21 and 18 points respectively. Ili's crucial layup in the final minute secured New Zealand's win, marking a gritty team effort described by Reuben Te Rangi as "a gutsy win for our team."
Despite the loss, Croatia's Ivica Zubac had an impressive showing with 29 points and 16 rebounds. Contributions from Dario Saric and Mario Hezonja kept Croatia competitive. Saric acknowledged the challenge, stating, "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."
Croatia's chances remain alive as their four-point differential ensures their place in the semifinals unless Slovenia wins by 21 points or more against New Zealand.
Montenegro's Victory in Riga
Over in Riga, Latvia, Montenegro secured a hard-fought 70-66 win over Cameroon. Marko Simonovic led Montenegro with 18 points and six rebounds, supported by Nikola Vucevic's 11 points and 14 rebounds. Montenegro’s collective effort was evident, with five players scoring in double figures and the team hitting 20 of 24 free-throw attempts. Cameroon’s Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba and Jordan Bayehe each scored 14 points in a valiant but unsuccessful effort.
Bahamas Advance in Valencia
The Bahamas continue to impress, advancing to the knockout round in Valencia, Spain. Valdez Edgecombe Jr. was pivotal with 21 points, while Deandre Ayton contributed 18 points and nine rebounds. The Bahamas’ sharp shooting from beyond the arc, with 13 successful three-pointers, and their unselfish play, recording 24 assists on 31 field goals, underscored their cohesive team chemistry. Buddy Hield also starred with 17 points and 10 assists, guiding the Bahamas to a 2-0 record in Group B. The upcoming match between Poland and Finland will determine the semifinalist joining the Bahamas.
The Philippines Overcome Latvia
In another notable performance, the Philippines defeated Latvia 89-80. Justin Brownlee filled the stat sheet with 26 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, while Kai Sotto chipped in with 18 points and eight rebounds. Latvia tried to rally, cutting a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to 10, led by Rodions Kurucs’ 18 points, but fell short in the end.
Spain's Triumph Over Angola
Spain emerged victorious against Angola in an 89-81 finish. Santiago Aldama led Spain with 24 points, with Willy Hernangomez adding 22 points and 10 rebounds. Angola’s Jilson Bango put up a commendable fight, scoring 15 points and grabbing nine rebounds. A win in their next game against Lebanon is crucial for Angola to advance alongside Spain to the knockout round.
As the group stages draw to a close, the intensity of these qualifiers underscores the high stakes and electrifying action paving the road to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The world will be watching closely as teams vie for their place on the grandest stage of them all.