The various Olympic qualifying tournaments (TQO) are approaching their conclusion and, on the Athens side, we were entitled to a clash between the Greece of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Slovenia of Luka Doncic from the semi-finals.
A knife-edge encounter won by the Greeks who, in a room largely (and logically) won over to their cause, made short work of the Slovenians: 96-68 ! With 13 points from the “Greek Freak”, winner of his long-distance duel with “Luka Magic” (21 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists but… 10 turnovers).
Never trailing in the afternoon, Greece started very, very strongly. Inflicting a 13-0 from the start, with interior baskets, and suffocating a Slovenia that was far too limited offensively, between missed shots, lost balls and a lack of variety outside of Luka Doncic. In addition to counting on an inspired Thomas Walkup (19 points) in shooting and a string of second chances.
Another final to play this Sunday…
Vassilis Spanoulis' players therefore barely loosened their grip on the game, quickly increasing the gap to +20 and only causing concern before the break, when Luka Doncic (finally) found some rhythm, while showering the naturalized Josh Nebo (17 points, 7 rebounds) with balls in the paint.
A collective improvement of short duration, since Greece regained its spirits after the break, before delivering the final blow to Slovenia with an 18-3 to attack the fourth quarter. The match is over and the teammates of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who did not need to force anything, can now turn towards the final of “their” TQO.
It will take place this Sunday, against the winner of the other semi-final between Croatia and the Dominican Republic (8 p.m.). The Paris 2024 objective still exists on the Greek side, while Luka Doncic will be able to observe a period of rest after his extended season.
Photo credit: FIBA.com
