There was a big duel between two of Europe’s top nations on Wednesday in Ljubjana. As part of the preparation for the World Cup, Greece traveled to Slovenia, where they managed to win despite the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, still recovering from knee surgery.
Led by a raging Luka Doncic, the Slovenians got off to the best start, leading 49-43 at the break. But Greece never gave up and took advantage of a third act won 30-22 to take the lead 10 minutes from the end (71-73). Kostas Papanikolaou almost reversed the trend on his own with his four 3-point baskets over the period, well helped at the end by the Mitoglou – Thanasis Antetokounmpo tandem.
Thomas Walkup in “clutch” mode
After holding on, thanks in particular to the application of Klemen Prepelic and a 3-pointer from Luka Doncic who kept Slovenia in the lead until three minutes from time (89-87), the locals ended up collapsing . The hero of the end of the match was called Thomas Walkup since the leader of Olympiakos placed two lay-ups before finishing his demonstration with a 3-pointer to seal the fate of the match in favor of the Greeks, winners 98- 91. In 21 minutes, Walkup got away with 17 points and 6 assists, while Kostas Papanikolaou finished as his team’s top scorer with 19 points including an impressive 6/6 from 3-pointers!
Luka Doncic will also have shone with his triple-double to 21 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists in less than 30 minutes. Insufficient however to offer a new success to Slovenia, whose mission during this preparation will be to find the right balance between the superstar of the Mavericks and the rest of the group.
