In today’s Olympic men’s basketball group stage match, Greece faces off against Canada.
In the first quarter, the stronger Canadian team displayed their dominance, frequently preventing the Greek team from getting a shot off before the 24-second clock expired on defense. The Greek team managed just three points in the first three and a half minutes. However, thanks to their star player Giannis Antetokounmpo creating scoring opportunities by attacking the paint, Greece narrowed the gap. In the latter part of the first quarter, Canada went on an 8-0 run to extend their lead into double digits. Greece responded with their own offensive push. At the end of the first quarter, Greece trailed Canada 22-26, down by four points.
In the second quarter, both teams increased their defensive intensity, making it difficult for each other to score easily. Combined, they scored only seven points in the first four minutes. The game then became a back-and-forth battle, with the lead fluctuating around ten points. In the latter part of the second quarter, Greece, thanks to strong performances by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Papanikolaou, reduced the deficit to five points, but Canada again demonstrated their strength.
At halftime, Greece trailed Canada 38-48, down by ten points.
Half-time statistics for both teams:
Greece: Antetokounmpo 16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists; Papanikolaou 11 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Papagiannis 3 points, 1 assist; Larentzakis 3 points; Mitoglou 3 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist; Tolios 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist; Voulgaris 1 steal; Kastritis 1 rebound, 3 assists
Canada: Barrett 13 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Alexander 12 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists, 1 steal; Brooks 11 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Powell 4 points, 3 rebounds; Murray 4 points, 2 assists, 1 steal; Olynyk 2 points, 3 rebounds; Dort 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists; Lytle 1 rebound