A 27-point double-double by Giannis Antetokounmpo was not enough for Greece to overcome Santi Aldama-led Spain in the Paris Olympics, losing 77-84.
A dominant double-double by Giannis Antetokounmpo was not enough for Greece (0-2), as Spain defeated the Milwaukee Bucks star-led team 84-77 (21-22, 28-13, 13-21, 22-21).
| Player of the Game | |
|
EFF
25
|
| Santi Aldama | |
| Points | 19 |
| Accuracy | 6-14 |
| Rebounds | 12 |
| Assists | 2 |
Antetokounmpo finished the match with 27 points on 11-for-15 shooting, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, but 4 turnovers. On the other side of the court, Memphis Grizzlies center Santi Aldama led Spain (1-1) in scoring with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Greece shot just five free throws during the game, and all of them were attempted by Giannis, who made three.
A back-and-forth first quarter was followed by a phenomenal 10 minutes by Spain in the second quarter. Inspired by Sergio Llull's rainbow shot over Antetokounmpo, Spain went on a 19-5 run, establishing a double-digit lead (46-35).
While Spain maintained their lead, Greece kept mounting multiple comebacks until they managed to get within a couple of points of their opponents.
With 22 seconds left on the clock and Greece down by three (77-80), Antetokounmpo shot a wide-open three-pointer to tie the game but missed it. Spain converted the ensuing free throws and captured its first victory in the Olympic basketball tournament.
Greece will play against Australia on Friday, August 2nd, for a chance to advance to the playoffs as one of the two best third-placed teams of the three groups.
Spain's Rudy Fernandez was helped off the court by the team's medical staff after suffering a head injury following mid-air contact with Juancho Hernangomez.
Spain: Santi Aldama 19 points (12 REB), Sergio Llull 13 (7 AST), Willy Hernangomez 11 (7/8 FT), Lorenzo Brown 7 (10 AST)
Greece: Giannis Antetokoumnpo 27 points (11 REB), Vasilis Toliopoulos 14.
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