Open in App
  • Local
  • U.S.
  • Election
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Education
  • Real Estate
  • Newsletter
  • ESPN

    Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece remain winless at Paris Olympics

    By Alyssa Roenigk,

    12 hours ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0tNMpK_0uhie2Kp00

    Greece's hopes of advancing to the men's basketball knockout round at the Paris Olympics suffered a devastating blow Tuesday with an 84-77 loss to Spain.

    Giannis Antetokounmpo had 27 points and 11 rebounds for Greece, which fell to 0-2 in Group A.

    After losing their opening games on Saturday, Greece and Spain both came out essentially playing for their tournament lives, with the loser facing a must-win scenario on Friday -- and likely lots of help -- to have any chance of advancing.

    Greece will face Australia in its final chance to earn a victory before the field is trimmed to eight teams. Antetokounmpo, the two-time NBA MVP and eight-time All-Star for the Milwaukee Bucks , has 61 combined points on 67.6% shooting in Greece's two losses.

    Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama had 19 points and 12 rebounds while Sergio Llull scored 13 points for Spain, which improved to 1-1 with one group-stage game left to play against Canada.

    After cutting a 14-point halftime deficit to one point early in the fourth quarter, Greece tied the score at 71 on Antetokounmpo's emphatic, driving left-handed dunk over Aldama.

    But Spain steadied over the next few minutes, scoring the next eight points.

    "It's tough with a guy like him to make the defensive play," Aldama said. "You can either make the defensive play or try to block the shot. ... I tried, got [posterized], but next play."

    Greece pulled back to within 80-77 with 59 seconds left, but Antetokounmpo had a 3-pointer from the top of the key bounce off the rim.

    Antetokounmpo set the tone for his team early, getting to the rim on multiple occasions, including a putback dunk over Usman Garuba .

    Aldama did the same for Spain, leading all scorers out of the gate with 10 first-quarter points. He also got support from his teammates during a 13-3 run to end the second quarter that put Spain in front 49-35 at halftime.

    Spain has a big health concern going forward after Rudy Fernandez left late in the fourth quarter after a collision under the basket and was helped by trainers to the locker room.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

    Expand All
    Comments / 0
    Add a Comment
    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
    Most Popular newsMost Popular
    Total Apex Sports & Entertainment20 days ago

    Comments / 0