Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece suffer setback against Turkey in EuroBasket but aim for bronze against Finland
Greece’s aspirations for EuroBasket glory took a significant hit on Friday as they faced a surprising blowout defeat at the hands of Turkey, resulting in their elimination from the tournament. What many anticipated to be a tightly contested battle instead turned into a lopsided affair, with Turkey securing a commanding 94-68 victory.
Scoring Struggles for Greece
From the outset, Greece struggled to find their rhythm offensively. The team managed to place only three players in double figures, with none exceeding 15 points. This lack of scoring depth hampered their efforts, especially against a Turkish squad that was firing on all cylinders, boasting an impressive 45.5% shooting from beyond the arc.
Greece’s inability to protect the basketball compounded their woes. They committed nine more turnovers than Turkey, a statistic that proved crucial in tipping the scales. Additionally, the Greek players’ tendency to foul frequently sent Turkey to the free-throw line with alarming regularity, resulting in ten more fouls committed by Greece throughout the match. The ball movement was also subpar; Greece recorded only 16 assists compared to Turkey’s 26, a stark contrast that reflected their struggles on the court.
Antetokounmpo’s Off Day
Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo had a rare off night, finishing with just 12 points on 6-for-13 shooting. Prior to this clash, he had been averaging an impressive 29.8 points per game at a staggering 70.2% shooting clip. His plus-minus rating of minus-30 stood out as the lowest among his teammates, emphasizing the challenges faced by Greece in this match.
A Historic Semifinal Run
Despite the bitter defeat, Greece’s journey to the semifinals is noteworthy. This marked the first time in 16 years that the team advanced this far in EuroBasket, with their last semifinal appearance dating back to 2009. The sense of pride from reaching this stage is something that Greece will carry with them, even in the face of disappointment.
Looking Ahead to the Bronze Medal Match
As they prepare to return to the United States for the upcoming NBA season, Antetokounmpo and his teammates will have one final opportunity to secure a medal. They are set to face Lauri Markkanen and Finland in a third-place matchup, and Greece enters the contest as a slight favorite. With the chance to redeem themselves after the semifinal loss, the team is focused on finishing the tournament on a high note and bringing home bronze medals.
