Greece, led by NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, secured a decisive 96-68 win over Slovenia in the semifinals of the Olympic qualifying tournament. The game, held at the Peace and Friendship Stadium in Piraeus, Greece, saw a standout performance from Thomas Walkup, who scored 19 points. Antetokounmpo, contributing 13 points in just 21 minutes, was instrumental in Greece’s victory, bringing them one step closer to securing a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Luka Doncic’s Effort Falls Short
Luka Doncic, representing Slovenia, managed to score 21 points but struggled to lead his team against Greece’s formidable defence and efficient offence. This game marked the first time the two NBA megastars faced each other while representing their national teams. Despite his efforts, Doncic couldn’t overcome the early deficit Slovenia faced, as Greece scored the first 13 points of the game, s
Strong Start and Consistent Pressure
Greece’s early lead was a critical factor in their victory. They ended the first quarter with a commanding 32-14 lead. Although Slovenia managed to cut the lead to 47-33 by halftime, Greece’s consistent pressure in the second half ensured their dominance. An 11-3 run at the start of the third quarter further distanced Greece from Slovenia, allowing them to maintain a 16-point lead going into the final quarter.
Statistical Highlights
Greece outperformed Slovenia in multiple statistical categories, shooting 54% from the field compared to Slovenia’s 43%. Greece also held a significant rebounding advantage, with a 38-25 edge. Vasileios Toliopoulos added 14 points for Greece, further showcasing the team’s depth and balanced scoring.
Other Semifinal Highlights
In other semifinal action, Brazil defeated the Philippines 71-60 in Riga, Latvia, advancing to the finals of that tournament. Bruno Caboclo led Brazil with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Marcelinho Huertas contributed 13 points. The Brazilians, aiming to play in their first Olympics since 2016, will face the winner of Cameroon and Latvia. The Philippines, despite leading 33-27 at halftime, struggled in the second half, shooting just 38% from the field and committing 15 turnovers.
Upcoming Final Matchups
The final matchups will determine the last four berths in the men’s basketball field for the Paris Games. Greece will face the winner of the Dominican Republic and Croatia, with the Paris Olympics berth on the line. Other semifinal games took place in Spain, Latvia, and Puerto Rico, adding to the excitement and anticipation for the final Olympic spots.
Impact on International Basketball
This tournament not only highlights the high level of competition among international teams but also underscores the influence of NBA players on the global stage. The performances of stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic attract worldwide attention, raising the profile of international basketball and inspiring fans and aspiring athletes alike.
The road to Paris 2024 is filled with intense competition and high stakes, as teams vie for the coveted Olympic spots. The upcoming finals promise to deliver thrilling basketball and unforgettable moments.
