Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a mesmerizing performance to steer Greece to a resounding 109-82 victory over the Dominican Republic in the Group B stage of the Piraeus, Greece, Olympic qualifying tournament. The Milwaukee Bucks superstar was nothing short of stellar, amassing 32 points in just 19 minutes and putting on a masterclass of efficiency that left spectators in awe.
Antetokounmpo was flawless from the field, converting all 11 of his attempts. His prowess at the free-throw line was also commendable, sinking 9-of-13 shots, and he even nailed his solitary three-point attempt. "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," remarked Greece’s coach Vassilis Spanoulis, encapsulating the spirit and dedication of the Greek Freak.
While Antetokounmpo led the charge, he wasn't alone in his efforts. Thomas Walkup provided robust support, contributing 17 points to Greece’s tally. The team's dominance was evident as they surged to a lead as large as 27 points at one stage of the game. This win places Greece in good stead; however, they must defeat Egypt on Thursday to progress to the semifinal round.
The qualifiers in Greece form part of a broader series of tournaments taking place simultaneously in Latvia, Puerto Rico, and Spain. These tournaments are crucial, as they will determine the final four participants in the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Group play at all four venues wraps up on Thursday, leading into the semifinal matches on Saturday and the championship games on Sunday.
Elsewhere in Piraeus, New Zealand edged past Croatia with a close 90-86 victory in Group A. Corey Webster led the charge for New Zealand with 21 points, while Shea Ili added 18 points, including a critical layup in the dying moments that sealed the win. Croatia’s Ivica Zubac put up a valiant fight, scoring 29 points and hauling in 16 rebounds, aided by significant contributions from Dario Saric and Mario Hezonja. Despite the setback, Croatia's four-point differential ensures their semifinal place if Slovenia doesn't trounce New Zealand by 21 points or more. Croatia had earlier secured a 108-92 victory over Slovenia, which increases the stakes for the upcoming matches.
In Riga, Latvia, Montenegro triumphed over Cameroon 70-66. Montenegro showcased a balanced attack, featuring five players in double digits. Marko Simonovic stood out with 18 points and six rebounds, while Nikola Vucevic, the dynamic center, added 11 points and 14 rebounds. This cohesive team effort saw Montenegro leading 32-29 at halftime and maintaining the edge through the game's conclusion. Cameroon, led by Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba and Jordan Bayehe, who both scored 14 points, fought valiantly but fell short in the end.
In the Valencia, Spain leg of the qualifiers, the Bahamas marched into the knockout round. Valdez Edgecombe Jr. led with 21 points, supported by standout performances from Deandre Ayton, who scored 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds, and Buddy Hield, who tallied 17 points and 10 assists. The Bahamas showcased a potent offense, connecting on 13 three-pointers and recording 24 assists on 31 made field goals. Holding a 2-0 record in Group B, the Bahamas have positioned themselves as formidable contenders. The upcoming Poland vs. Finland clash will determine who joins the Bahamas in the semifinals.
The Philippines notched an impressive win over Latvia, 89-80. Justin Brownlee was a force, nearly posting a triple-double with 26 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Kai Sotto also impressed, scoring 18 points and collecting eight rebounds. Despite Latvia's efforts to claw back a 21-point deficit in the fourth quarter to just 10, they fell short. Rodions Kurucs was the standout for Latvia with 18 points.
In another closely contested match, Spain overcame Angola 89-81. Santiago Aldama led the Spanish effort with 24 points, and Willy Hernangomez added a solid 22 points and 10 rebounds. Angola's Jilson Bango fought hard, contributing 15 points and nine rebounds. Now, Angola faces a must-win scenario against Lebanon to advance alongside Spain to the knockout round.
The intensity and spirit of competition at these Olympic qualifiers have provided thrilling basketball, with players leaving everything on the court to earn their place in Paris. As group play concludes, teams are poised to battle for the limited spots, promising more electrifying action as fans worldwide eagerly watch.