The race to the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics men's basketball tournament has reached its climax, with Greece, Spain, Brazil, and Puerto Rico clinching the final berths after triumphant performances at the 2024 FIBA Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournaments on Sunday.
In an electrifying final held in Piraeus, Greece emerged victorious over Croatia with a score of 80-69. The host nation's NBA superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo, was pivotal in the win, making eight of his 17 shots and finishing the game with an impressive 23 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. This marks Antetokounmpo's highly anticipated Olympic debut in Paris, adding excitement for fans worldwide.
Georgios Papagiannis, the Greek center, expressed his enthusiasm about the team's qualification: \"It's very nice to qualify because that's the first step. At the Olympics, we're looking to do something really good there.\" This achievement is particularly significant for Greece, as they have not participated in the Olympics since the 2008 Beijing Games.
The qualification of Spain, Brazil, and Puerto Rico alongside Greece rounds out a competitive lineup for the upcoming Olympic basketball spectacle, promising thrilling matchups and showcasing some of the best talent in the sport.
Reference(s):
Final 4 teams confirmed for men's basketball at 2024 Summer Olympics
cgtn.com