Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece showcased a dominant performance against Luka Doncic and Slovenia, securing a spot in the Final of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Piraeus. In front of a roaring crowd of 11,998 home fans, Greece prevailed 96-68, eliminating Slovenia from the competition.
From the outset, Greece’s intensity and fast pace were too much for Slovenia to handle. Giannis Antetokounmpo, returning fresh from a period of rest, made an immediate impact. He started the game with an and-one play and contributed 7 of Greece’s first 13 points.
The Greek defense stifled Slovenia, preventing them from scoring during this initial run. By the end of the first quarter, Greece held a commanding 32-14 lead, punctuated by a buzzer-beater three-pointer from Vasileios Toliopoulos.
Throughout the game, Greece maintained their defensive intensity and offensive efficiency. Giannis finished with 13 points, and the team was a staggering +31 in his 21 minutes on the court.
On the other hand, Luka Doncic, despite his best efforts, couldn’t lift Slovenia to a comeback. He ended the game with 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists but faced a relentless Greek defense that continuously disrupted his rhythm and forced 10 turnovers from him.
The game highlighted Greece’s strategic approach and depth. Thomas Walkup led the team with 19 points, displaying confidence and scoring prowess. Nick Calathes orchestrated the offense masterfully, dishing out 11 assists. Vasileios Toliopoulos provided a significant boost off the bench, scoring 17 points on perfect shooting from the field.
Greece’s dominance extended to the rebounding battle, where they controlled the boards with authority. They allowed only 4 offensive rebounds to Slovenia while securing 11 of their own, leading to a 14-3 advantage in second-chance points. This rebounding edge, coupled with their defensive strategy, ensured Slovenia could never mount a serious comeback.
Luka Doncic’s efforts were commendable, especially his five three-pointers, but Greece’s defense was relentless. Antetokounmpo’s presence as a help defender and the defensive contributions of Kostas Papanikolaou and Thomas Walkup effectively neutralized Doncic’s impact.
The game concluded with a touching moment as Doncic received applause from the Greek crowd, acknowledging his efforts with two thumbs up. Despite the loss, the respect between the players and fans was evident.
With this victory, Greece’s confidence is sky-high as they prepare to face either Croatia or the Dominican Republic in the Final. Their performance against Slovenia serves as a testament to their defensive tenacity, offensive efficiency, and overall team cohesion, making them a formidable contender for the upcoming Final.
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