In an electrifying performance, Giannis Antetokounmpo led Greece to a resounding 109-82 victory over the Dominican Republic during the Group B stage of the Olympic qualifying tournament in Piraeus, Greece. Demonstrating his unmatched skill and efficiency, Antetokounmpo scored an impressive 32 points in just 19 minutes, going a flawless 11-for-11 from the field.
The Greek superstar made his mark early and kept the momentum throughout, sinking his lone three-point attempt and converting on nine of his 13 free-throw opportunities. "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 Vassilis Spanoulis, highlighting both Antetokounmpo's dedication and humility.
Thomas Walkup also made a significant contribution, adding 17 points to bolster Greece's commanding performance. The game was never in doubt, with Greece leading by as much as 27 points. However, the quest isn’t over; Greece will need a victory over Egypt on Thursday to advance to the semifinal round, a crucial step towards securing one of the four spots available for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
All Eyes on Piraeus, Riga, and Valencia
The qualifiers in Greece are part of a broader series of tournaments taking place in Latvia, Puerto Rico, and Spain. With group play concluding on Thursday, the stakes are high as teams vie for their place in the semifinals on Saturday, followed by championship games on Sunday. Every game matters, as these tournaments will determine four participants in the men's basketball competition at next year’s Olympics.
In other Group A action in Piraeus, New Zealand edged past Croatia in a nail-biting 90-86 victory. Corey Webster and Shea Ili led the charge, scoring 21 and 18 points respectively. Ili's crucial layup in the final minute sealed the win for New Zealand. Despite this setback, Croatia's slim four-point loss keeps their hopes alive; if Slovenia fails to defeat New Zealand by 21 points or more, Croatia will secure their spot in the semifinals. Ivica Zubac’s valiant effort, which included 29 points and 16 rebounds, along with significant contributions from Dario Saric and Mario Hezonja, underscores the fierce competition between these teams. Reflecting on the game, Saric noted, "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."
Thrilling Games Across the Globe
Meanwhile, in Riga, Latvia, Montenegro triumphed over Cameroon with a tight 70-66 victory. Marko Simonovic led Montenegro with 18 points and six rebounds, as five Montenegrin players scored in double figures, showing a balanced team effort. Nikola Vucevic added to the winning cause with 11 points and 14 rebounds, as Montenegro maintained a slim lead of 32-29 at halftime and exhibited composure by hitting 20 out of 24 free-throw attempts. Cameroon's Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba and Jordan Bayehe each scored 14 points, making their presence felt in a competitive match.
Over in Valencia, Spain, the Bahamas have displayed impressive form, advancing to the knockout round. Valdez Edgecombe Jr. led with 21 points, supported by Deandre Ayton who scored 18 points and recorded nine rebounds. The Bahamas showcased excellent ball movement and perimeter shooting, making 13 successful three-pointers and assisting on 24 out of their 31 field goals. Buddy Hield's impressive performance with 17 points and 10 assists has been instrumental as the Bahamas maintained an unbeaten record (2-0) in Group B. The semifinalist joining them will be determined when Poland faces Finland.
Elsewhere, the Philippines secured an 89-80 win over Latvia, thanks to Justin Brownlee's near triple-double of 26 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Kai Sotto added 18 points and eight rebounds, contributing to their victory. Latvia, despite trimming a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to 10 points, fell short. Rodions Kurucs led Latvia with 18 points.
Spain and Angola Battle it Out
In another compelling contest, Spain overcame Angola 89-81. Santiago Aldama delivered a standout performance, scoring 24 points, while Willy Hernangomez added 22 points and 10 rebounds. On the other side, Jilson Bango’s 15 points and nine rebounds were not enough for Angola, who now face a must-win game against Lebanon to advance alongside Spain to the knockout round.
With such high stakes and extraordinary performances, the Olympic qualifying tournaments are living up to their promise, providing a thrilling prelude to the 2024 Paris Olympics.