In a commanding display of athleticism and precision, Giannis Antetokounmpo led Greece to a resounding 109-82 victory over the Dominican Republic in the Group B stage of the Olympic qualifying tournament in Piraeus, Greece. Antetokounmpo, demonstrating why he is considered one of the world's best players, scored an impressive 32 points in just 19 minutes of play. His performance was nearly flawless, as he made every one of his 11 field goal attempts, sank his only three-point shot, and went 9-of-13 from the free-throw line.
The Greek team, buoyed by their star player's extraordinary efforts, established a commanding lead of up to 27 points during the game. Thomas Walkup also made a significant contribution, adding 17 points to Greece's tally. With this victory, Greece now faces a must-win game against Egypt on Thursday to advance to the semifinal round of the qualifiers.
Global Qualifiers Heating Up
The qualifiers in Greece are part of a global series of tournaments that include venues in Latvia, Puerto Rico, and Spain. These competitions will ultimately determine four participants in the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics. As group play at all four sites concludes on Thursday, the stakes are high for teams vying for a spot in the semifinals, which will take place on Saturday, followed by championship games on Sunday.
In Group A action in Piraeus, New Zealand edged past Croatia with a narrow 90-86 victory. Corey Webster and Shea Ili led the Kiwi charge with 21 and 18 points, respectively. It was Ili's clutch layup in the final minute that sealed their win, showcasing the grit and determination of the New Zealand squad. Despite the setback, Croatia's Ivica Zubac turned in a dominant performance with 29 points and 16 rebounds, while Dario Saric and Mario Hezonja also made significant contributions. Croatia's earlier 108-92 victory over Slovenia keeps their semifinal hopes alive, provided Slovenia does not trounce New Zealand by a margin of 21 points or more.
Exciting Battles in Latvia and Spain
Over in Riga, Latvia, Montenegro managed to scrape past Cameroon with a 70-66 win. Marko Simonovic led the charge for Montenegro with 18 points and six rebounds, while Nikola Vucevic added 11 points and 14 rebounds. Montenegro's balanced attack, featuring five players scoring in double figures, was bolstered by their proficiency at the free-throw line, hitting 20 out of 24 attempts. Cameroon's Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba and Jordan Bayehe each scored 14 points in a valiant effort that ultimately fell short.
In Valencia, Spain, the Bahamas secured their spot in the knockout round with a stellar performance. Valdez Edgecombe Jr. topped the score sheet with 21 points, while NBA star Deandre Ayton added 18 points and nine rebounds. The Bahamas' cohesive team play was evident as they made 13 three-pointers and recorded 24 assists on 31 field goals. Buddy Hield also played a pivotal role, contributing 17 points and 10 assists. The Bahamas, now boasting a 2-0 record in Group B, await the outcome of the Poland vs. Finland matchup to determine who will join them in the semifinals.
Competitive Spirit in Manila and Madrid
The Philippines showcased their resilience with an 89-80 victory over Latvia. Justin Brownlee was instrumental in the win, nearly achieving a triple-double with 26 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Kai Sotto also made his presence felt, chipping in 18 points and eight rebounds. Although Latvia managed to cut a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to just 10 points, led by Rodions Kurucs' 18 points, it wasn't enough to overtake the determined Philippine team.
Spain maintained their strong form with an 89-81 win over Angola. Santiago Aldama and Willy Hernangomez were standout performers, scoring 24 and 22 points, respectively. Hernangomez also grabbed 10 rebounds, underlining his impact on both ends of the court. Angola's Jilson Bango provided resistance with 15 points and nine rebounds, but the Spanish side proved too strong. A win against Lebanon is now crucial for Angola's hopes of advancing to the knockout round alongside Spain.
As the qualifiers progress, the intensity on the court mirrors the aspirations of each nation's players, all vying for a singular goal: a place in the Paris 2024 Olympics. "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, capturing the essence of Antetokounmpo's dedication and the spirit driving teams and players in this global contest.