In a thrilling showdown at the 2024 FIBA Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Piraeus, Greece delivered a standout performance, defeating Slovenia 96-68 on Saturday. This decisive victory puts Greece just one win away from qualifying for the Paris Olympics, marking their first Olympic appearance in 16 years.
Thomas Walkup spearheaded Greece's efforts, scoring 19 points and grabbing six rebounds with an impressive 7-for-14 shooting performance. Despite Nick Calathes missing all five of his three-point attempts, he contributed significantly with 11 assists, showcasing his playmaking skills. Meanwhile, two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo added 13 points and boasted a court-high plus/minus of +31, demonstrating his continued impact on the game.
Coach Vassilis Spanoulis emphasized the team's focus and humility as they inch closer to their Olympic dream. "Since coach [Vassilis] Spanoulis took this whole deal over, it's been one goal and that's to get to the Olympics," Walkup remarked. "We're one game away from it. We have to stay humble and focused."
With the semifinal win against Slovenia, Greece is poised to make a strong push for their Olympic berth in Paris. Fans and supporters are eagerly watching as the team prepares for the crucial final game that will determine their participation in the upcoming Olympic Games.
Reference(s):
Antetokounmpo, Greece deny Doncic, Slovenia 2024 Olympic qualification
cgtn.com
