Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a standout performance as he propelled Greece to a decisive 109-82 triumph over the Dominican Republic in the Group B stage of the Olympic qualifying tournament held in Piraeus, Greece. Dominating the court, Antetokounmpo racked up an impressive 32 points in just 19 minutes of play, underscoring his formidable presence and skill.
The Greek sensation was flawless in his field goal efforts, sinking all 11 attempts. His performance at the free-throw line was equally impactful, as he converted nine of his 13 shots. Adding to his impeccable display, Antetokounmpo also nailed his lone three-point attempt, showcasing his versatility and accuracy.
Antetokounmpo was not alone in his efforts. Thomas Walkup contributed significantly with 17 points, helping Greece build and maintain a substantial lead of up to 27 points during the game. As Greece eyes advancement, they must secure another victory against Egypt on Thursday to move forward to the semifinal round.
The qualifiers in Greece are part of a broader series of tournaments, which also include venues in Latvia, Puerto Rico, and Spain. These games are crucial as they will determine the four participants in the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics. With group play set to conclude on Thursday, the anticipation is palpable as teams vie for semifinal spots, with matches scheduled for Saturday and championship games slated for Sunday.
A separate Group A matchup in Piraeus saw New Zealand edge out Croatia with a narrow 90-86 victory. Corey Webster and Shea Ili were pivotal for New Zealand, scoring 21 and 18 points, respectively. Ili's decisive layup in the final minute sealed the win for his team. Despite Ivica Zubac's valiant effort of 29 points and 16 rebounds, along with significant contributions from Dario Saric and Mario Hezonja, Croatia couldn’t clinch the win. However, their four-point differential keeps them in contention for the semifinals, pending Slovenia's performance against New Zealand.
The clashes weren't limited to Piraeus. In Riga, Latvia, Montenegro secured a hard-fought 70-66 victory over Cameroon. Marko Simonovic led Montenegro with 18 points and six rebounds, supported by significant contributions from five players reaching double figures. Nikola Vucevic also made his mark with 11 points and 14 rebounds. Contesting fiercely, Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba and Jordan Bayehe each scored 14 points for Cameroon, but it wasn’t enough to overhaul Montenegro's lead.
In Valencia, Spain, the Bahamas advanced to the knockout round, spearheaded by Valdez Edgecombe Jr.'s 21-point contribution. Deandre Ayton and Buddy Hield also played pivotal roles, scoring 18 and 17 points, respectively, and displaying their all-around playmaking abilities. The Bahamas impressed with their sharpshooting, landing 13 successful three-pointers and amassing 24 assists on 31 field goals. With a 2-0 record in Group B, the Bahamas are set for the semifinals, while Poland and Finland will battle it out for the remaining semifinal spot.
The action continued as the Philippines secured an 89-80 victory over Latvia. Justin Brownlee delivered a near triple-double performance with 26 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Kai Sotto added 18 points and eight rebounds to the Philippines' cause. Though Latvia trimmed a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to 10 points, led by Rodions Kurucs with 18 points, their comeback fell short.
Closing out the action in Spain, the host nation defeated Angola 89-81. Santiago Aldama emerged as the top scorer for Spain with 24 points, while Willy Hernangomez contributed a commanding double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Jilson Bango led Angola with 15 points and nine rebounds. Angola’s path to advancement lies in their upcoming game against Lebanon.
Anticipation builds as group play culminates and teams prepare for the semifinals, showcasing basketball talent and national pride on the road to Paris 2024.
"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 determination displayed by Antetokounmpo.
New Zealand's Reuben Te Rangi echoed similar sentiments on their hard-fought victory, stating, "It was a gutsy win for our team."
Meanwhile, Dario Saric spoke candidly about Croatia's performance, saying, "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."
The road to the 2024 Paris Olympics continues to heat up, with national teams delivering memorable performances and showcasing the spirit of competition on an international stage.