Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to show his remarkable prowess on the basketball court, leading Greece to a decisive 109-82 victory over the Dominican Republic in the Group B stage of the Piraeus, Greece, Olympic qualifying tournament. Antetokounmpo’s performance was nothing short of spectacular as he scored 32 points in just 19 minutes, demonstrating his incredible efficiency and skill.
Antetokounmpo was flawless from the field, making all 11 of his field goal attempts. He also showcased his versatility by going 9-of-13 from the free-throw line and sinking his only three-point attempt. His dominance on the court was a clear signal to other teams in the tournament.
Greece, who needs a victory over Egypt on Thursday to advance to the semifinal round, was bolstered by Thomas Walkup’s contribution of 17 points. Greece led by as many as 27 points during the game, reflecting their control and dominance throughout.
“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, highlighting the ethos and commitment of Antetokounmpo, whose impact transcends individual stats and underscores his leadership and team spirit.
Global Qualifying Tournaments
The qualifiers in Greece are part of a larger series of tournaments taking place in Latvia, Puerto Rico, and Spain, all geared towards determining four participants in 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.
Elsewhere, New Zealand pulled off a nail-biting 90-86 win over Croatia in Group A in Piraeus. Corey Webster and Shea Ili led the charge for the Kiwis, scoring 21 and 18 points respectively. Ili’s crucial layup in the final minute sealed New Zealand's victory.
Despite the loss, Croatia's prospects remain alive. Ivica Zubac's impressive 29 points and 16 rebounds were complemented by significant contributions from Dario Saric and Mario Hezonja. “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," Saric commented on the challenge they faced.
If Slovenia doesn't defeat New Zealand by 21 points or more, Croatia’s four-point differential ensures their place in the semifinals. Croatia had previously registered a 108-92 win over Slovenia.
Battles in Riga and Valencia
In Riga, Latvia, Montenegro outlasted Cameroon with a 70-66 win. Marko Simonovic led Montenegro with 18 points and six rebounds. Montenegro showed a balanced offensive performance with five players scoring in double figures. Nikola Vucevic contributed 11 points and a dominant 14 rebounds.
Montenegro’s proficiency from the free-throw line was notable, with the team converting 20 of 24 attempts. For Cameroon, Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba and Jordan Bayehe each scored 14 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Montenegro’s balanced attack.
Meanwhile, in Valencia, Spain, the Bahamas continued their strong showing, advancing to the knockout round. Valdez Edgecombe Jr. led the team with 21 points, while Deandre Ayton added 18 points and nine rebounds. The Bahamas showcased their shooting prowess, making 13 successful three-pointers and recording 24 assists on 31 field goals. Buddy Hield also had an outstanding game with 17 points and 10 assists.
Holding a perfect 2-0 record in Group B, the Bahamas await the outcome of the clash between Poland and Finland to determine their semifinal opponent.
Thrilling Encounters
The Philippines secured an 89-80 victory over Latvia, with Justin Brownlee leading the way with 26 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Kai Sotto also contributed significantly, scoring 18 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Latvia mounted a fourth-quarter comeback, trimming a 21-point deficit to 10 points, but it was too little too late. Rodions Kurucs’ 18 points for Latvia were not enough to change the outcome.
In the final noteworthy match, Spain edged out Angola 89-81. Santiago Aldama’s 24 points and Willy Hernangomez’s 22 points and 10 rebounds were pivotal for Spain. Angola’s Jilson Bango scored 15 points and recorded nine rebounds. Angola now faces a crucial game against Lebanon to advance to the knockout round alongside Spain.
The passion and fierce competition displayed across the qualifiers highlight the stakes and the desire of each nation to earn a coveted spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. With the final group matches and knockout rounds looming, basketball fans around the globe can anticipate more high-octane action and unforgettable performances.