Giannis Antetokounmpo led Greece to their first Olympic men's basketball win since 2008, defeating Australia 77-71 and finishing third in their group to advance to the quarterfinals. He scored 20 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, expressing pride in representing his country and having his children witness his Olympic journey.
Antetokounmpo was initially hesitant but ultimately felt honored to be chosen as the flag bearer for Greece at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
The 2024 Paris Olympics men's basketball championship bracket has been set, with the United States, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Greece led by Antetokounmpo, Serbia led by Nikola Jokic, and Australia advancing to the quarterfinals.
The United States finished 3-0 in the group stage with a +64 scoring margin, defeating Puerto Rico 104-83 in their final group game, locking up the No. 1 overall seed. They will face Brazil in the quarterfinals, with a potential semifinal matchup against Serbia or Australia.
Germany defeated France 85-71, with both teams booking quarterfinal places. Canada also advanced with a 3-0 record, defeating Spain with late-game heroics, while Brazil secured third place in Group B by beating Japan 102-84.
The quarterfinal losers will be eliminated, while the winners play in the semifinals on Thursday. The gold and bronze medal games in Paris are scheduled for next Saturday.
Antetokounmpo leads the men's basketball tournament at 27 points per game. Greece's coach complained about unsportsmanlike treatment and lack of respect for Antetokounmpo during the tournament.
Sources: Washington Post, Jumper Brasil, Greek Reporter, HotNewHipHop, Sports Illustrated, Last Word On Sports, BVM Sports, Seattle PI, The Score, Pinkvilla, Ekathimerini, Cyprus Mail, CBS Sports, Post and Courier, Las Vegas Sun, Outkick.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.
