The Olympic basketball qualifiers are in full swing across several countries, including Greece, Latvia, Puerto Rico, and Spain, setting the stage for an intense battle for the remaining spots in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Antetokounmpo Shines for Greece
Leading the charge for Greece, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered an awe-inspiring performance in a 109-82 victory over the Dominican Republic in the Group B stage. The Greek Freak was unstoppable, scoring 32 points in just 19 minutes. Demonstrating his lethal efficiency, Antetokounmpo made all 11 of his field goal attempts, went 9-of-13 from the free-throw line, and sank his only three-point attempt. His leadership and prowess were instrumental in Greece's dominant performance.
Thomas Walkup also made significant contributions for Greece, adding 17 points to the scoreboard. Greece at one point led by as many as 27 points, showcasing their superiority throughout the game. Speaking about Antetokounmpo, Vassilis Spanoulis remarked, "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."
Greece now faces a crucial match against Egypt on Thursday, which they need to win to advance to the semifinal round. The qualifiers in Greece are part of a larger series of tournaments, with Latvia, Puerto Rico, and Spain hosting their own qualifier matches. Group play at all four venues will conclude on Thursday, with semifinal matches scheduled for Saturday and championship games on Sunday.
New Zealand vs. Croatia: A Close Contest
In another intriguing matchup, New Zealand edged past Croatia with a 90-86 victory in Group A in Piraeus. Corey Webster and Shea Ili led the charge for New Zealand, scoring 21 and 18 points, respectively. Ili’s layup in the final minute sealed the win for New Zealand.
For Croatia, Ivica Zubac was a standout player, scoring 29 points and recording 16 rebounds. Dario Saric and Mario Hezonja also contributed significantly to Croatia's efforts. Reflecting on the game, Saric commented, "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."
Croatia’s four-point differential ensures their place in the semifinals if Slovenia doesn't defeat New Zealand by 21 points or more. Croatia previously registered a convincing 108-92 win over Slovenia, setting up a complex but hopeful scenario for their advancement.
Montenegro Edges Cameroon in Riga
In Riga, Latvia, Montenegro overcame Cameroon with a tightly contested 70-66 victory. Marko Simonovic led the way for Montenegro, scoring 18 points and recording six rebounds. Montenegro featured a balanced attack, with five players reaching double figures. Nikola Vucevic also played a crucial role, adding 11 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. The team’s proficiency at the free-throw line, hitting 20 out of 24 attempts, was a key factor in their win.
For Cameroon, Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba and Jordan Bayehe each scored 14 points, leading their team’s efforts in a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful campaign.
The Bahamas Advance in Valencia
The Bahamas advanced to the knockout round in Valencia, Spain, led by Valdez Edgecombe Jr.'s 21 points. Deandre Ayton also made significant contributions, scoring 18 points and recording nine rebounds. Their performance was bolstered by making 13 successful three-pointers and dishing out 24 assists on 31 field goals.
Buddy Hield played a pivotal role as well, scoring 17 points and recording 10 assists. The Bahamas holds a 2-0 record in Group B, solidifying their dominance. The upcoming showdown between Poland and Finland will determine the semifinalist joining the Bahamas in the knockout stages.
Other Key Matchups
The Philippines secured a win against Latvia with an 89-80 scoreline. Justin Brownlee was the star performer, scoring 26 points and recording nine rebounds and nine assists. Kai Sotto also made his presence felt with 18 points and eight rebounds. Latvia made a late charge, trimming a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to 10 points, with Rodions Kurucs scoring 18 points in a commendable effort.
Spain triumphed over Angola 89-81, fueled by Santiago Aldama’s 24 points and Willy Hernangomez’s 22 points and 10 rebounds. Despite the loss, Angola’s Jilson Bango impressed with 15 points and nine rebounds. Angola now needs a win against Lebanon to advance to the knockout round along with Spain.
These qualifiers are shaping up to be a series of exhilarating encounters, with each team vying for a coveted spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. As the group stages draw to a close, the stakes are higher than ever, promising more thrilling basketball action ahead.