Game Report
On July 30, the Olympic men’s basketball group stage continued with a match between Spain and Greece.
In the first quarter, Kostas Sloukas hit a three-pointer first, to which Aldama responded with an ultra-long three. Both teams started the game with high-intensity defense. Giannis Antetokounmpo completed a 2+1 play, giving Greece a 9-3 lead early on. Juancho Hernangomez delivered a powerful dunk over Giannis Antetokounmpo. Aldama also nailed a three-pointer, helping Spain quickly stabilize the situation. The scores alternated, with Aldama staying hot and Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring consistently through his individual skills. Papanikolaou scored on a fast-break layup, putting Greece up 17-10. After Raul Lopez entered the game, he hit two consecutive threes and then made a layup, scoring eight points in a row and cutting the deficit to one point. At the end of the first quarter, Greece led 22-21.
In the second quarter, Raul Lopez hit another three-pointer right away. Tolios quickly responded with a three-pointer of his own, and Polidore also hit a three, tying the score at 27. Greece’s offense ran into trouble, allowing Spain to take the lead. Rudy Fernandez hit a three-pointer, sparking a 9-2 run that put Spain up by six points. After a timeout, Tyler Dorsey hit a three-pointer, and Larentzakis finally broke Greece’s scoring drought with a three-pointer. Spain maintained their efficient offense, with Abrines hitting a transition three-pointer, increasing the lead to 11 points. Greece’s offense continued to struggle, scoring only 13 points in the quarter. Spain rained down threes, making 11 in the first half. At halftime, Spain led 49-35.
In the third quarter, Willy Hernangomez opened the scoring with a fadeaway jump shot. Giannis Antetokounmpo responded with a layup, followed by a fast-break dunk. Greece’s offense improved noticeably, gradually closing the gap. Papanikolaou hit a corner three-pointer, and Giannis Antetokounmpo threw down a powerful dunk, cutting the deficit to eight points and forcing a Spanish timeout. After the timeout, Spain scored from the free-throw line, and the teams traded baskets, keeping the margin around ten points. Aldama hit a three-pointer, and Giannis Antetokounmpo answered. Greece was down by nine points when Tolios hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer, and at the end of the third quarter, Spain led 62-56.
In the fourth quarter, Giannis Antetokounmpo started off with a 2+1 play and then scored inside, cutting the deficit to just one point. Veteran Rudy Fernandez hit a crucial three-pointer to stop the bleeding, and Juancho Hernangomez also hit a three. Greece responded with back-to-back threes, keeping the score close. Rudy Fernandez hit another difficult three-pointer, and Tolios scored inside. Spain led 71-69. Then Giannis Antetokounmpo completed a coast-to-coast dunk, and Aldama answered. Veteran Raul Lopez stepped up again, scoring on a fast break. Aldama hit another shot, extending the lead. Greece hit a three-pointer, and Giannis Antetokounmpo completed a 2+1 play but missed a subsequent three-pointer.
Ultimately, Spain defeated Greece 84-77.
Player Stats
Spain: Aldama 19 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists; Raul Lopez 13 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists; Juancho Hernangomez 11 points, 7 rebounds; Rudy Fernandez 10 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal; Abrines 8 points, 2 rebounds; Tyus 7 points, 1 rebound, 10 assists; Polidore 7 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists; Willy Hernangomez 3 points, 1 rebound; Sergio Diaz 3 points; Brizuela 3 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists; Arostegui 1 rebound; Garuba 2 rebounds, 2 steals;
Greece: Giannis Antetokounmpo 27 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; Tolios 14 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists; Papanikolaou 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists; Sloukas 8 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists; Vockep 5 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal; Papayannnis 5 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals; Larentzakis 5 points, 1 rebound; Mitoglou 4 points, 1 assist; Kallatzakis 1 rebound;
Player Lineups
Spain: Tyus, Arostegui, Aldama, Willy Hernangomez, Abrines
Greece: Vockep, Sloukas, Papayannnis, Papanikolaou, Giannis Antetokounmpo