After Giannis Antetokounmpo & Co. lose their first meeting, the Death Group takes the lead. Greece and Canada faced off in the second day of group stage Men’s Basketball matches. Due to its extensive roster, which was filled with NBA stars, the North American team entered the match as favourites. However, Greek Freak’s team managed to hold onto their lead till the very end but ultimately lost 79-86. The star player for the Milwaukee Bucks, though, seemed to be full of optimism as he sent out a message.
Giannis posted images of himself wearing the Greece national shirt on Instagram a few hours after the game. It also had a sweet caption that said, “Being able to put on the jersey and play for your country is one of the greatest feelings in the world.”For the superstar, ending the 16-year drought in Greece basketball with his teammates is undoubtedly the best feeling in the world. The squad didn’t qualify for the competition since 2008. Despite winning three of their five group stage matches, they were defeated by Argentina in the quarterfinals.The Greek team then failed to make it to the following three Olympics. Notably, Giannis Antetokounmpo and company did not have an easy year this year either. They engaged Slovenia, led by Luka Doncic, in a close match during the qualifying round. Above all, the Bucks legend now considers this qualification to be more personal. Giannis is not only making his Olympic debut, but he was also proposed to be the flag bearer of the first boat to sail in the “parade of nations.”When Giannis was a little boy, his family left Nigeria and sought safety in Greece. The 29-year-old is currently flying high in the parade after making great progress on his journey.Giannis Antetokounmpo and team overcame a tight victory.
On paper, Team Canada always appears formidable due to their well-balanced squad. The team did appear menacing on the court, and for good reason. Throughout the entire game, the North American team had a comfortable advantage. With gratitude to RJ Barrett and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the MVP runner-up. Together, the pair scored 44 points, giving the Greek team a difficult task.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, nevertheless, didn’t go off the court without a battle. The crowd erupted in “MVP MVP MVP” cries as the superstar arrived in the arena. He did act appropriately. With 34 points (11–17 FG), 12–15 FT, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal, Giannis had a fantastic stat line. In the game, he can even be referred to as a lone fighter. All players on the roster scored in single digits, with the exception of Kostas Papanikolaou, who finished with 17 points.
With 64 seconds left on the clock, the superstar cut a 16-point deficit to 2 points despite the lack of encouragement from his teammates.
Nonetheless, the Canadian team had enough resources to protect their lineup, winning 79-86 and making their Olympic debut in Paris. On July 29, Team Greece will play Spain in their next match. At that point, will Giannis & Co. open their account?
Tell us in the comments below.
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