Tag: Greece

Greece’s coach on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury: ‘It’s all good’

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 25 points in 19 minutes before leaving midway through the third quarter with an ankle issue in Greece’s 90-69 win over Estonia in the Group C finale for both teams at the EuroBasket tournament Thursday. Antetokounmpo was …

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 25 points in 19 minutes before leaving midway through the third quarter with an ankle issue in Greece’s 90-69 win over Estonia in the Group C finale for both teams at the EuroBasket tournament Thursday. Antetokounmpo was clearly limping after the game, but was able to take part in the postgame on-court celebration and exchanged handshakes with Estonia’s players and coaches. Greece coach Dimitrios Itoudis said Antetokounmpo got ice and treatment, but did not sound worried. “It’s all good,” Itoudis said.

Source: Associated Press @ ESPN

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
The Big Three of the #EuroBasket went bonkers in the group stage 🤯
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo
29.5 PTS
84.4% FT
9.0 REB
3.8 AST
✅ 1st place (5-0)
🇷🇸 Nikola Jokic
19.6 PTS
68.4% FG
9.4 REB
4.4 AST
✅ 1st place (5-0)
🇸🇮 Luka Doncic
26.6 PTS
7.6 REB
6.8 AST
✅ 1st place (4-1) pic.twitter.com/WQQZ1wVL6S – 4:03 AM

Andrew Bogut @RogueBoguesPod
Basketball Pod Ep 72 – @andrewbogut and @HoopConsultants discuss Giannis Antetokounmpo and why people still hate on him.
Listen to it here 👇
https://t.co/u0OwdyWBh0
#LetsGetRogue #RogueBogues #NBA #MVP pic.twitter.com/07Vo9tBwp1 – 12:37 AM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Antetokounmpo limps, Greece still rolls into round of 16 at EuroBasket nba.nbcsports.com/2022/09/08/ant… – 9:35 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
EuroBasket Roundup: The Round of 16 is set, and Giannis tweaks an ankle
apnews.com/article/sports… – 7:38 PM
Giannis Antetokounmpo @Giannis_An34
Thank you Milan!! Next stop, Berlin. 🔜💪🏾💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/BY98QM1P9m – 4:48 PM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a sprained ankle
sportando.basketball/en/giannis-ant… – 4:19 PM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Greece had the No. 1 seed in Group C locked before the game against Estonia.
Estonia had already been eliminated.
And Giannis Antetokounmpo got injured.
No matter the severity of his injury (slight ankle sprain), Giannis shouldn’t have played. It’s as simple as that. – 2:29 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered slight sprain on his right ankle
eurohoops.net/en/eurobasket/… – 2:27 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo left the court in the beginning of the 2nd half and didn’t return, but coach Itoudis ensured that the star is ok 👌
#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/yAJw7QidlM – 2:11 PM

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis Antetokounmpo at #EuroBasket 2022 group stage (4 games)
29.5 points
9 rebounds
3.8 assists
1.5 steals
1 block
58.2% FG
84.4% FT
33.8 efficiency
Next stop? Knockout stage! #HellasBasketball #BringTheNoise #FeartheDeer – 2:11 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Numbers (Through 4 games).
Vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo.
No limitations, well conditioned.
On the attack.
Defensive position.
Breaking down Dario Saric’s #EuroBasket play for Croatian national team after missing last #NBA season with knee injury. #Suns https://t.co/yqvBvL3hwC pic.twitter.com/KSYIQVNiPT – 1:57 PM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Giannis going for precautionary exams on his twisted ankle. First indications: nothing serious – 1:55 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Dimitris Itoudis clarified Giannis Antetokounmpo’s condition🗣️
As stated by the coach, no need to worry about the Greek Freak:
basketnews.com/news-177689-it… – 1:50 PM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Dimitris Itoudis on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s ankle injury concerns:
“Giannis would not be back in the game, so he got iced as he normally does behind closed doors, only now it was in public. It’s all good.” – 1:29 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 After the game, Giannis Antetokounmpo left the the court strongly limping 😬
He has also missed the whole 2nd half, after scoring 25 PTS 😕
#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/b34NbKvcaS – 1:23 PM

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Nothing serious about Giannis Antetokounmpo injury status. It was decided not to play in the whole 4th quarter and he did some treatment. #ESTGRE #EuroBasket – 1:08 PM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Greece’s national team coach Dimitris Itoudis to @VaggelisIoanno2 when asked about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s ankle injury concerns:
“What do you mean? He wasn’t going to play anymore, so he was going through his usual recovery routine.” – 1:08 PM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 1.11 points per minute at the Eurobasket.
For context: The NBA’s all-time record is 1.04 per minute by Wilt the year he scored 100 points in a game.
Now that’s dominating. – 12:57 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Greece ended up the #EuroBasket 2022 group stage undefeated. They beat Estonia 90-69 and they move to the Round of 16 with the best way. Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t play in the whole 4th quarter and he’s getting ready for the knockout stage. Next.. #ESTGRE #HellasBasketball – 12:54 PM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Giannis Antetokounmpo is visibly limping on his ankle as he leaves the court after the final buzzer. – 12:54 PM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
This is the play where Giannis appeared to roll his ankle: pic.twitter.com/tvaIUk2f4g – 12:40 PM

Mark Woods @markbritball
Giannis exits the Greece – Estonia game with a mild ankle sprain … has a game-high 25 points – 12:34 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Giannis showing no mercy 😤
#EuroBasket | @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/A5LkiMn8xk – 12:33 PM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Giannis on the Greek bench with ice on his knee. Game is over for him pic.twitter.com/1iTqPlbk3f – 12:32 PM

Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Giannis Antetokounmpo is getting some treatment in the Greek national team bench.
He has his knee in ice and tape wrapped around his back. – 12:32 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Not sure if we’ll see Giannis on the floor again today. It’s unnecessary to play in this game until the end. On to the Round of 16. #estgre #EuroBasket #HellasBasketball – 12:25 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Not sure if it’s 🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo or 🇺🇸 Michael Jordan 🤯
#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/xII7zLOFYu – 12:04 PM

Donatas Urbonas @Urbodo
Watching Giannis going for 25 at halftime, it reminded my interview with Sasa Doncic after Luka’s 47-point night.
I asked him if he believes there is a player that can surpass Luka EuroBasket 2022:
“Antetokounmpo had 41. Jokic is here… There are some players who can do it.” – 12:03 PM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Luka and Giannis after every time they score 40+ pic.twitter.com/bRCxXoVSDc – 11:56 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Giannis Antetokounmpo rocking his way to 25 points at the break, Greece leads Estonia, 51-36
pic.twitter.com/roq4HlN5Hi – 11:55 AM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
No European (maybe international) player has ever had a three-year run like the one Giannis Antetokounmpo is on.
Don’t @ me. – 11:54 AM
Mark Woods @markbritball
Greece leading Estonia 51-38 at half-time.
Giannis giving a masterclass with 25 points on 9/10 shooting.
He’s been on the floor for 15:10 and in that spell, Greece have only had five field goals in which he has not either scored or assisted, – 11:51 AM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 25 points (9/10 FG) in 15 minutes in the first half. – 11:48 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 1st half vs Estonia
25 points
9-10 FG
1-1 3P
6-7 FT
3 rebounds
2 assists
1 steal
29 efficiency
On a different level! #ESTGRE #EuroBasket #HellasBasketball – 11:48 AM
GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Giannis Antetokounmpo in the FIRST HALF vs Estonia: 25 points with 8/9 2PTS, 1/1 3PTS and 6/7 FT. Stunning. #HellasBasketball #Eurobasket – 11:47 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis and his Jordan logo! #ESTGRE #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/Gtl65dFiUz – 11:42 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo took 🇸🇮 Luka Doncic’s record personally 😳
20 PTS
6/7 2PT
1/1 3PT
24 EFF
And it’s not even the end of the 1st half 🤯
#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/IbjPUi1blR – 11:42 AM

GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Come on Giannis… 🤯 #HellasBasketball #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/xn6kJH46IF – 11:38 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 The Antetokounmpo TAKEOVER 🤩 Giannis & Kostas are creating waves against Estonia 🇪🇪 🌊 #EuroBasket
pic.twitter.com/YdDDaK6vgN – 11:38 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 Fun fact: Giannis Antetokounmpo first featured for Greece in 2013, as a member of the youth team competing in the U20 EuroBasket in Estonia.
In that tournament, his current teammates Papapetrou, Agravanis and Larentzakis were on the team as well 👀🤝
#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/iehQDEgjEG – 11:36 AM

Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Giannis is a freak of nature, man 😤
pic.twitter.com/lS8ru8xZPd – 11:35 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 It’s never too troubling to inbound the ball when you have Giannis Antetokounmpo on your team 🙌 #EuroBasket
pic.twitter.com/NMjBOltDr0 – 11:26 AM

Mark Woods @markbritball
Kostas Antetokounmpo makes his EuroBasket bow against Estonia after an earlier than expected recovery from a knee injury.
Big brother Giannis has 15 points in the first quarter as his side take a 27-21 lead. – 11:23 AM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
I’m not sure pressing Giannis Antetokounmpo fullcourt when he’s playing point guard is the best strategy… – 11:21 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Kostas Antetokounmpo checks in for a first time at #EuroBasket 2022 with Greek National team. He will take his first minutes on the floor. #ESTGRE #HellasBasketball – 11:16 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
First play of the game, first bucket by Papagiannis. Assist by Giannis.
#ESTGRE #EuroBasket – 11:01 AM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
There’s no Tony, Dirk, and Pau without Petrovic, Kukoc, and Sabonis.
There’s no Luka, Giannis, and Jokic without Tony, Dirk, and Pau.
But the gap between Luka, Giannis, Jokic and other European greats is already huge. – 6:02 AM
Giannis Antetokounmpo @Giannis_An34
Had to check out @Inter last night for the @ChampionsLeague match 🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/fkNG6qrz1J – 4:19 AM

More on this storyline

Dionysis Aravantinos: Giannis Antetokounmpo has suffered a slight ankle sprain. His condition will be monitored by the medical staff. Greece faces the Czech Republic in the Round of 16 on Sunday. -via Twitter @AravantinosDA / September 8, 2022
Eric Nehm: The broadcast just showed the play where Giannis Antetokounmpo got hurt. Looked like a slight tweak of the right ankle. Seems like they shut him down for the rest of the game to avoid risking further injury. -via Twitter @eric_nehm / September 8, 2022

Tyler Dorsey could be a sleeper to break out for the Mavericks after strong EuroBasket performance for Greece

“There is optimism he might actually contribute.”

Tyler Dorsey, who is representing the Greek national team, has been one of the most intriguing players competing at the EuroBasket tournament.

Dorsey was selected in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft. After playing 104 games in the NBA, he went overseas. Last season was perhaps his best campaign as he won the Greek Basket League championship for Olympiacos, and his team made an appearance in the EuroLeague Final Four.

He was reportedly considering an extension with Olympiacos, and also had interest from the Turkish club Fenerbahce. Dorsey, however, opted to sign a two-way deal with the Mavericks.

During his time at EuroBasket, it seems that may have been a smart idea. Through the first few games of the tournament, per HoopsHype’s Alberto de Roa’s global rating, he was one of the best overall performers.

The 26-year-old had 27 points while shooting 5-for-9 on 3-pointers against Croatia on Sept. 2, then followed up with 23 points on 6-of-10 from beyond the arc against Italy the following day.

According to Tim MacMahon, the former Oregon guard believes that he will be able to parlay the two-way with Dallas deal into a standard contract (via ESPN):

“I was talking to some Mavs folks while they were here and there is optimism that he might actually contribute. Like, he might actually carve out some rotation minutes this year. He’s been great when Giannis played … He’s a shooter who can attack closeouts.”

During his conversation with Zach Lowe, MacMahon made similar points as well (via ESPN):

“They think he has something: A shooter who can put the ball on the floor a little bit … They feel like they may have found something here. He’s having a great tournament in EuroBasket for Greece … He thinks he’s an NBA player. The Mavericks agree. So I’d keep an eye out for him for a team that needs one more guard.”

MacMahon is absolutely right about Dorsey’s ability to create off the bounce. Playing for the Greek national team, when including passes, Dorsey has finished more than 40 percent of his possessions as the ball-handler in pick and roll sets.

Dorsey has scored 6.0 points per game on jumpers off the dribble, per Synergy, which ranks as one of the best marks among all participants in the tournament. He is averaging 1.36 points per possession, too, which is near the top of the leaderboard as well.

Even before EuroBasket began, it has been a productive summer for Dorsey, who averaged 1.40 PPP on dribble jumpers during the FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers. That mark trailed just NBA veteran Goran Dragic for the most efficient mark among players who had more than ten such attempts.

Don’t be surprised if Dorsey is able to carve out a role for himself in Dallas.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f5k5x3v4hcz7e10g image=https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

[lawrence-related id=1958075,1957742,1957569]

[listicle id=1958235]

Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered ankle sprain in Eurobasket game

Dionysis Aravantinos: Giannis Antetokounmpo has suffered a slight ankle sprain. His condition will be monitored by the medical staff. Greece faces the Czech Republic in the Round of 16 on Sunday. Source: Twitter @AravantinosDA What’s the buzz on …

Dionysis Aravantinos: Giannis Antetokounmpo has suffered a slight ankle sprain. His condition will be monitored by the medical staff. Greece faces the Czech Republic in the Round of 16 on Sunday.

Source: Twitter @AravantinosDA

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered slight sprain on his right ankle
eurohoops.net/en/eurobasket/… – 2:27 PM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Giannis Antetokounmpo has suffered a slight ankle sprain.
His condition will be monitored by the medical staff.
Greece faces the Czech Republic in the Round of 16 on Sunday. – 2:19 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo left the court in the beginning of the 2nd half and didn’t return, but coach Itoudis ensured that the star is ok 👌
#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/yAJw7QidlM – 2:11 PM

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis Antetokounmpo at #EuroBasket 2022 group stage (4 games)
29.5 points
9 rebounds
3.8 assists
1.5 steals
1 block
58.2% FG
84.4% FT
33.8 efficiency
Next stop? Knockout stage! #HellasBasketball #BringTheNoise #FeartheDeer – 2:11 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Numbers (Through 4 games).
Vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo.
No limitations, well conditioned.
On the attack.
Defensive position.
Breaking down Dario Saric’s #EuroBasket play for Croatian national team after missing last #NBA season with knee injury. #Suns https://t.co/yqvBvL3hwC pic.twitter.com/KSYIQVNiPT – 1:57 PM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Giannis going for precautionary exams on his twisted ankle. First indications: nothing serious – 1:55 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Dimitris Itoudis clarified Giannis Antetokounmpo’s condition🗣️
As stated by the coach, no need to worry about the Greek Freak:
basketnews.com/news-177689-it… – 1:50 PM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Dimitris Itoudis on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s ankle injury concerns:
“Giannis would not be back in the game, so he got iced as he normally does behind closed doors, only now it was in public. It’s all good.” – 1:29 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 After the game, Giannis Antetokounmpo left the the court strongly limping 😬
He has also missed the whole 2nd half, after scoring 25 PTS 😕
#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/b34NbKvcaS – 1:23 PM

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Nothing serious about Giannis Antetokounmpo injury status. It was decided not to play in the whole 4th quarter and he did some treatment. #ESTGRE #EuroBasket – 1:08 PM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Greece’s national team coach Dimitris Itoudis to @VaggelisIoanno2 when asked about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s ankle injury concerns:
“What do you mean? He wasn’t going to play anymore, so he was going through his usual recovery routine.” – 1:08 PM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 1.11 points per minute at the Eurobasket.
For context: The NBA’s all-time record is 1.04 per minute by Wilt the year he scored 100 points in a game.
Now that’s dominating. – 12:57 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Greece ended up the #EuroBasket 2022 group stage undefeated. They beat Estonia 90-69 and they move to the Round of 16 with the best way. Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t play in the whole 4th quarter and he’s getting ready for the knockout stage. Next.. #ESTGRE #HellasBasketball – 12:54 PM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Giannis Antetokounmpo is visibly limping on his ankle as he leaves the court after the final buzzer. – 12:54 PM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
This is the play where Giannis appeared to roll his ankle: pic.twitter.com/tvaIUk2f4g – 12:40 PM

Mark Woods @markbritball
Giannis exits the Greece – Estonia game with a mild ankle sprain … has a game-high 25 points – 12:34 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Giannis showing no mercy 😤
#EuroBasket | @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/A5LkiMn8xk – 12:33 PM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Giannis on the Greek bench with ice on his knee. Game is over for him pic.twitter.com/1iTqPlbk3f – 12:32 PM

Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Giannis Antetokounmpo is getting some treatment in the Greek national team bench.
He has his knee in ice and tape wrapped around his back. – 12:32 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Not sure if we’ll see Giannis on the floor again today. It’s unnecessary to play in this game until the end. On to the Round of 16. #estgre #EuroBasket #HellasBasketball – 12:25 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Not sure if it’s 🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo or 🇺🇸 Michael Jordan 🤯
#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/xII7zLOFYu – 12:04 PM

Donatas Urbonas @Urbodo
Watching Giannis going for 25 at halftime, it reminded my interview with Sasa Doncic after Luka’s 47-point night.
I asked him if he believes there is a player that can surpass Luka EuroBasket 2022:
“Antetokounmpo had 41. Jokic is here… There are some players who can do it.” – 12:03 PM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Luka and Giannis after every time they score 40+ pic.twitter.com/bRCxXoVSDc – 11:56 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Giannis Antetokounmpo rocking his way to 25 points at the break, Greece leads Estonia, 51-36
pic.twitter.com/roq4HlN5Hi – 11:55 AM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
No European (maybe international) player has ever had a three-year run like the one Giannis Antetokounmpo is on.
Don’t @ me. – 11:54 AM
Mark Woods @markbritball
Greece leading Estonia 51-38 at half-time.
Giannis giving a masterclass with 25 points on 9/10 shooting.
He’s been on the floor for 15:10 and in that spell, Greece have only had five field goals in which he has not either scored or assisted, – 11:51 AM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 25 points (9/10 FG) in 15 minutes in the first half. – 11:48 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 1st half vs Estonia
25 points
9-10 FG
1-1 3P
6-7 FT
3 rebounds
2 assists
1 steal
29 efficiency
On a different level! #ESTGRE #EuroBasket #HellasBasketball – 11:48 AM
GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Giannis Antetokounmpo in the FIRST HALF vs Estonia: 25 points with 8/9 2PTS, 1/1 3PTS and 6/7 FT. Stunning. #HellasBasketball #Eurobasket – 11:47 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis and his Jordan logo! #ESTGRE #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/Gtl65dFiUz – 11:42 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo took 🇸🇮 Luka Doncic’s record personally 😳
20 PTS
6/7 2PT
1/1 3PT
24 EFF
And it’s not even the end of the 1st half 🤯
#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/IbjPUi1blR – 11:42 AM

GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Come on Giannis… 🤯 #HellasBasketball #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/xn6kJH46IF – 11:38 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 The Antetokounmpo TAKEOVER 🤩 Giannis & Kostas are creating waves against Estonia 🇪🇪 🌊 #EuroBasket
pic.twitter.com/YdDDaK6vgN – 11:38 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 Fun fact: Giannis Antetokounmpo first featured for Greece in 2013, as a member of the youth team competing in the U20 EuroBasket in Estonia.
In that tournament, his current teammates Papapetrou, Agravanis and Larentzakis were on the team as well 👀🤝
#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/iehQDEgjEG – 11:36 AM

Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Giannis is a freak of nature, man 😤
pic.twitter.com/lS8ru8xZPd – 11:35 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 It’s never too troubling to inbound the ball when you have Giannis Antetokounmpo on your team 🙌 #EuroBasket
pic.twitter.com/NMjBOltDr0 – 11:26 AM

Mark Woods @markbritball
Kostas Antetokounmpo makes his EuroBasket bow against Estonia after an earlier than expected recovery from a knee injury.
Big brother Giannis has 15 points in the first quarter as his side take a 27-21 lead. – 11:23 AM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
I’m not sure pressing Giannis Antetokounmpo fullcourt when he’s playing point guard is the best strategy… – 11:21 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Kostas Antetokounmpo checks in for a first time at #EuroBasket 2022 with Greek National team. He will take his first minutes on the floor. #ESTGRE #HellasBasketball – 11:16 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
First play of the game, first bucket by Papagiannis. Assist by Giannis.
#ESTGRE #EuroBasket – 11:01 AM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
There’s no Tony, Dirk, and Pau without Petrovic, Kukoc, and Sabonis.
There’s no Luka, Giannis, and Jokic without Tony, Dirk, and Pau.
But the gap between Luka, Giannis, Jokic and other European greats is already huge. – 6:02 AM
Giannis Antetokounmpo @Giannis_An34
Had to check out @Inter last night for the @ChampionsLeague match 🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/fkNG6qrz1J – 4:19 AM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
My take on Giannis is he’s the best or second best player in the world along with Jokić, and neither of those players can dribble like Kyrie and it doesn’t matter at all because skill and impact are not the same and we should probably value impact more but balldontstop ruined it. – 2:02 AM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Love how Giannis doesn’t leave out any teammate even on his Instagram story on a day off.
Speaks wonders of his character. That’s what a true leader does. That’s how you build team chemistry. pic.twitter.com/cNkfHOdIsU – 8:12 PM

Bogdan Bogdanovic @LeaderOfHorde
Yesterday Giannis went for 41,
today Luka went for 47,
can’t wait to watch Jokic tomorrow
😁 #EuroBasket22 🏀 – 2:42 PM
Evan Sidery @esidery
Luka Doncic follows up Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 41-point outing yesterday by dropping 47 points on France.
If Slovenia and Greece continue to win, we’re on a collision course for Luka vs. Giannis later on in EuroBasket. pic.twitter.com/LFqpdYZ7Zc – 2:40 PM

More on this storyline

Eric Nehm: The broadcast just showed the play where Giannis Antetokounmpo got hurt. Looked like a slight tweak of the right ankle. Seems like they shut him down for the rest of the game to avoid risking further injury. -via Twitter @eric_nehm / September 8, 2022
Eric Nehm: FINAL: Greece 90, Estonia 69 The Greeks were a perfect 5-0 in group play. We should know shortly who they play in the first round of the knockout round. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 25 points. -via Twitter @eric_nehm / September 8, 2022

Giannis Antetokounmpo after 41-point game: I try to create art

Asked about his miraculous performance, which included 13 straight points in the third quarter, Giannis Antetokounmpo said he doesn’t try to rate his achievements. “I focus on what I can control. I try to create art; every game is a new experience …

Asked about his miraculous performance, which included 13 straight points in the third quarter, Giannis Antetokounmpo said he doesn’t try to rate his achievements. “I focus on what I can control. I try to create art; every game is a new experience for me, But I’ll say this is one of the years that I feel very excited to go out on the court and play with my teammates.“

Source: BasketNews

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Giannis Antetokounmpo says he has never been more motivated to play in the Greece national team 🇬🇷 ✊ #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/QuRXHbE8Xf – 2:53 PM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
After a historic Eurobasket performance, Giannis Antetokounmpo explained why he feels every game is a chance to create art
eurohoops.net/en/eurobasket/… – 2:37 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 41-point performance the most in a EuroBasket game since Dirk Nowitzki in 2001
cbssports.com/nba/news/giann… – 2:23 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Giannis Antetokounmpo is feeling great on the court with Greece & it shows. The ‘Greak Freak’ talked about his 41-point performance vs. Ukraine.
“I try to create art” 🖌️🎨
basketnews.com/news-177567-gi… – 2:21 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Giannis the artist after 41 points: “I just try to go there and have fun as much as possible and try to create art. What I mean is that every game is a different game. Every time I step on the floor, it’s a new experience for me, that I can remember”. pic.twitter.com/J1XuCyIwKv – 2:11 PM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 4️⃣1️⃣ points is the highest figure in #EuroBasket since 🇩🇪 Dirk Nowitzki’s 4️⃣3️⃣ points in 2001 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YlYWI4Alrp – 1:34 PM

Mark Woods @markbritball
Giannis isn’t sure his 41 point blast against Ukraine was his best game for Greece pic.twitter.com/DV6aenbFJa – 1:33 PM

NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Giannis balled out today‼️
His 41 points are the most in a #EuroBasket game since Dirk Nowitzki dropped 43 in 2001 👏 pic.twitter.com/jTjzBjXUjf – 1:32 PM

Evan Sidery @esidery
Giannis Antetokounmpo went off for 41 points in 27 minutes during Greece’s latest EuroBasket victory over Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/2hPyO38ouV – 1:29 PM

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
A closer look at Giannis Antetokounmpo 43-point game vs Ukraine. His shot chart was insane!
13-16 2P
1-2 3P
15-18 FT
He was all over the place on offense. #GREUKR #EuroBasket #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/CQ36ASBHQZ – 1:15 PM

Mark Woods @markbritball
Giannis goes big as Greece usurp Ukraine to cement Group C top spot with a 99-79 win.
fiba.basketball/eurobasket/202… – 1:05 PM
Frank Madden @fmaddenNBA
Giannis now up to 31 ppg in 29 mpg for the tournament after his 41 pts today. I’m assuming he rests tomorrow against Estonia in final group game. Greece moves to top of Group C (4-0) — winner of Group C plays round of 16 against Group D #4 (currently Czech Rep) on Sunday. – 1:01 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
The MVP rhythm was alive and well 🔥
Giannis Antetokounmpo was as dominant as ever while Greece takes first place in Group C:
basketnews.com/news-177556-gi… – 12:54 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo is on another planet 😱 #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/8MhjsQbigR – 12:53 PM

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Greece secured the top seed in the group after the huge win over Ukraine (99-79). That means the game vs Estonia, on Thursday, is a chance for Giannis Antetokounmpo to rest ahead of the knockout stage in Berlin. #GREUKR #EuroBasket – 12:51 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Giannis Antetokounmpo drives Greece past Ukraine and to 4-0
eurohoops.net/en/eurobasket/… – 12:51 PM
GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Giannis Antetokounmpo: Beast mode vs Ukraine and 4-0 for Greece in the Group Phase here in Milan. Giannis had 41 points and 9 rebounds. Amazing, once again. #EuroBasket #HellasBasketball pic.twitter.com/V0Uy3KPxtd – 12:48 PM

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis Antetokounmpo vs Ukraine
41 points
13-18 FG
15-18 FT
9 rebounds
2 assits
1 steal
43 efficiency
Best player in the world!
#GREUKR #EuroBasket – 12:46 PM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Giannis Antetokounmpo in Greece’s win against Ukraine:
41 points
13/18 FG
0/2 3FG
15/18 FT
9 rebounds
2 assists
1 steal
2 turnovers
43 efficiency
27 minutes
Best player in the world. – 12:46 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo gives Ukraine the too small gesture 👀 #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/tmpQAhPlAS – 12:46 PM

Emiliano Carchia @Carchia
Giannis Antetokounmpo has 41 points vs. Ukraine with 2:20 left in fourth quarter.
41 POINTS on a 13/18 shooting night (13/16 from two, 0/2 from three) – 12:45 PM
Mark Woods @markbritball
Giannis outscored Ukraine 15-11 in the 3rd. Greece up 71-57. – 12:29 PM
Frank Madden @fmaddenNBA
Giannis heads to bench late in 3rd with 33 points in 22 minutes. He won’t break the all-time EuroBasket scoring record — 63 points by Eddy Terrace for Belgium in 1957 — but the #2 mark (and Greek record) of 46 by Nikos Galis isn’t out of the question if he plays in 4th. – 12:29 PM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Giannis Antetokounmpo has 33 points.
With three minutes left in the third quarter.
But I heard that he can’t do it in FIBA tournaments. – 12:20 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis is UNSTOPPABLE! 31 points and counts… #GREUKR #EuroBasket – 12:18 PM
Mark Woods @markbritball
Giannis has scored 9 consecutive Greece points – they lead Ukraine 52-51.
But … Greece has some serious ballers and right now, they are just not involved offensively. – 12:16 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo has 2️⃣7️⃣ out of 52 Greece’s points versus Ukraine 😳 #EuroBasket – 12:15 PM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 27 points
Rest of Greece: 25 points – 12:15 PM
Mark Woods @markbritball
Khris Middleton here in Milan today to support his #Bucks team-mates Giannis and Thanasis – 12:06 PM
Jason Anderson @JandersonSacBee
Ukraine leads Greece 46-39 at the half at EuroBasket 2022. Sacramento Kings center Alex Len has four points, four rebounds and one blocked shot. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has 18 points and six rebounds. – 12:06 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
What a first half from Ukraine. Beyond impressive. They’re up 46-39 on Giannis and Greece. – 11:53 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 1st half vs Ukraine
18 points
6-10 FG
6-9 FT
6 rebounds
1 assist
in 15 minutes
Ukraine is up (46-39) at half time against Greece. #GREUKR #EuroBasket – 11:50 AM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Today is definitely one of those days where Bucks fans worry about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s health playing in an international competition.
He’s been the recipient of three hard fouls in the last three minutes in the second quarter against Ukraine. – 11:45 AM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Ukraine loves them some hard fouls on Giannis. If I’m the Bucks, I’m holding my breath every single possession… – 11:45 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Khris Middleton and @Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry in Milan for Giannis
#BasketballCL CEO Patrick Comninos also in attandance pic.twitter.com/kxuxiiCQBI – 11:33 AM

Mark Woods @markbritball
9-0 run gives Ukraine a 25-23 lead over Greece early in the 2nd.
No shock, Giannis returns. – 11:26 AM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Bucks owner, Marc Lasry, GM Jon Horst and Khris Middleton are present in Milan to watch Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece in the EuroBasket. – 11:24 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis started hot today with 7 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist in the first 5 minutes. Greece up 5 (15-10). #GREUKR #EuroBasket – 11:12 AM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Kudos to Nick Calathes. He understands the assignment in transition.
Constantly tries to get the ball to Giannis Antetokounmpo early and also looks for him on the second wave of cutters as transition possessions are coming to a close. – 11:08 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Khris Middleton and Bucks GM Jon Horst are in the house to root for 🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo battling Ukraine 💪 #EuroBasket
📸 @harris_stavrou pic.twitter.com/5W2KzCgMAh – 11:04 AM

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
First play of the gane, Giannis went to the basket, scored and commited a foul. Good start. #GREUKR #EuroBasket – 11:02 AM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Kostas Antetokounmpo is not available tonight against Ukraine.
Kostas is still going through individual workouts, hasn’t joined a team practice with contact yet. – 10:48 AM
GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Giannis Antetokounmpo is available tonight and he will play against Ukraine. Kostas Antetokounmpo remains out. #EuroBasket #HellasBasketball – 9:31 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
We are seeing a different version of Giannis Antetokounmpo than the last time he wore Greece’s jersey 🇬🇷🔥
We analyzed how he is dominating the #EuroBasket: the maturity in his game and how Dimitris Itoudis utilizes the Greek Freak 👇
basketnews.com/stream/152015-… – 7:05 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Ukraine emerges as the main candidate for a dark horse title at EuroBasket 2022💪
NBAer Alex Len talked to BasketNews about his team’s perfect record, upcoming game vs. Giannis’ Greece, and the first chat he had with the new Kings coach, Mike Brown:
basketnews.com/news-177511-al… – 5:16 AM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Giannis sits with a little “discomfort” in knee (but mostly rest), Greece advances in EuroBasket anyway nba.nbcsports.com/2022/09/05/gia… – 5:58 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Giannis Antetokounmpo watched from the sidelines his Greece teammates blow out Great Britain.
After the game, Dimitris Itoudis explained why the Bucks star didn’t play & gave a heads up for the contest vs. Ukraine 🔜
basketnews.com/news-177495-it… – 5:51 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
The nations on Luka Doncic’s most watched list are 🇷🇸 Serbia and 🇬🇷 Greece 🍿
The reason is simple: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic 😎
#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/miRKBQZJFw – 4:32 PM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Dirk Nowitzki talked about Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic and more
The German legend said he had goosebumps during his jersey retirement 👇
basketnews.com/news-177500-di… – 3:28 PM

More on this storyline

Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped 41 points on Ukraine, becoming only the second player in the 21st century to score more than 40 points in a EuroBasket game after Dirk Nowitzki’s 43 points against Spain in 2001. He’s also the third Greek player ever to have scored more than 40 points in a EuroBasket game, after Giorgos Kolokithas in 1967 and Nikos Galis, who did it five times, most notably in the 1989 EuroBasket semi-final (45) vs. the Soviet Union. -via BasketNews / September 6, 2022
Giannis’ career-high with Greece was witnessed by several Milwaukee Bucks reps. Khris Middleton is in Milan with Bucks owner Marc Lasry, SVP Alex Lasry, general manager Jon Horst and assistant general manager Milt Newton. “I saw them once, but I zoomed out and focused on the game,” Giannis revealed. “They’ve seen me many times and know what I’m capable of. I tried to focus on the team so that we build good habits, whether things are going well or not.” -via BasketNews / September 6, 2022

Giannis Antetokounmpo out vs. Great Britain to rest due to agreement between Greece, Bucks

Dionysis Aravantinos: Giannis Antetokounmpo (rest) will miss today’s EuroBasket game against Great Britain. Source: Twitter What’s the buzz on Twitter? Christos Tsaltas @ Tsaltas46 Giannis Antetokounmpo lives the game vs Great Britain with his own …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis Antetokounmpo lives the game vs Great Britain with his own passion, sitting on the bench. #gbrgre #EuroBasket #fearthedeer pic.twitter.com/2lYKxPI7EN – 11:28 AM

Mark Woods @markbritball
Nelson’s corner J right at the buzzer ends a 16-0 run from Greece as GB trail 24-18 after the 1st in Milan. He has a game-high 12 points on 4-6 shooting.
Giannis Antetekounmpo, in street clothes, will be a DNP-rest, according to Greek officials. – 11:27 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Fans who bought the tickets to 🇬🇷 Greece vs 🇬🇧 Great Britain only to see Giannis Antetokounmpo playing 😬 #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/vf8EUw8imi – 11:25 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
The latest URBONUS episode with @Donatas Urbonas & @Ryxa41 is here!
▪️ The scandal between 🇹🇷 Turkey and 🇬🇪 Georgia
▪️ Worse problems than missed technical free-throw
▪️ The concern over Luka Doncic
▪️ Giannis Antetokounmpo and new star in Greece
And more:
basketnews.com/news-177475-tu… – 11:09 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 No Giannis Antetokounmpo for Greece today ❌😔 #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/PrtUBWWM3n – 10:59 AM

Emiliano Carchia @Carchia
Giannis Antetokounmpo will rest today vs. Great Britain.
Considering that a lot of fans came at Forum d’Assago today to watch him live…this is really disappointing news.
He could have played at least first half – 10:50 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
With 3 games left in the group stage (Great Britain, Ukraine, Estonia) is a good chance for coaching staff to rest Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of knockout stage. He will rest vs GB. It won’t be a surprise if he’s on a minutes restriction in the next 2 games. #GBRGRE #EuroBasket – 10:40 AM
GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Giannis Antetokounmpo will get some rest and won’t play tonight vs Great Britain. Kostas Antetokounmpo is also out. #HellasBasketball #EuroBasket – 10:34 AM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Arriva in Italia “Giannis. L’incredibile ascesa di un campione”: la biografia di Antetokounmpo sportando.basketball/biografia-gian… – 10:31 AM
GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Kostas Antetokounmpo is feeling better. Actually, he made one more individual practice today in “Mediolanum Forum”. He will miss the game vs Great Britain tonight, but in the Greek NT they hope that he will be available at some point during the Group Phase. #HellasBasketball – 9:40 AM
James Plowright @British_Buzz
GB basketball play against Giannis and Greece today at Eurobasket, what an experience for those guys, hoping for an upset W – 6:09 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
According to Dimitris Itoudis, Giannis Antetokounmpo is an amazing warrior and an even better companion 🇬🇷🙌 #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/TmXD8lAYdd – 3:45 PM

Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
After he ties the game with two seconds left, the play-by-play says Sandro Mamukelashvili is the superstar that will help Giannis win his second NBA title. Might be overdoing it a tad – 3:05 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“Give him Tim Duncan’s knowledge, a whole different player isn’t he?”
Longtime NBA guard Gilbert Arenas joined @Rick Kamla & @adaniels33 to clarify his comments about Giannis.
#FearTheDear pic.twitter.com/kDiyVUw9jm – 12:32 PM

More on this storyline

Since Antetokounmpo committed to joining the roster, the Greek Basketball Federation has committed to having the Bucks be a part of the process. Bucks assistant coach Josh Oppenheimer, who oversees Antetokounmpo’s daily workouts and routine, was named to the coaching staff. Members of the Bucks’ sports science group, led by Troy Flanagan, have been with Antetokounmpo every step of the way overseas. Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer attended practices and games during his visit in the lead-up to EuroBasket 2022. -via The Athletic / September 3, 2022

Giannis Antetokounmpo just pulled off one of the most amazing game-sealing blocks you’ll ever see…again

Giannis Antetkounmpo is just unreal

There’s just not a basketball court Giannis Antetokounmpo can step on right now where he’s not absolutely and unequivocally the best athlete on it.

This dude is unreal. We’ve seen it so many times before, whether it was his impossible block on Deandre Ayton in the 2020 NBA Finals or his self-oop against the Celtics in last year’s playoffs or literally anything else this dude has done. He just casually does things no one should be able to do.

He did it again on Friday during Greece’s Eurobasket matchup against Croatia.

With Greece up 86-82 in the waning seconds of the game, the ball was kicked out to the corner in transition for what looked like an easy 3-pointer.

Then, all of a sudden, this 6’11 figure comes from underneath the basket on the other side of the court to get a fingertip on the shot. Look at this, man.

Y’all. This is ridiculous. It’s lunacy. This should not be something that is able to happen. Giannis should not be able to do these things.

He started from right here.

He blocked the shot right here.

How is that real? It’s just wild. Fans were rightfully in awe of this. The athleticism here is ridiculous.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyler Dorsey lead Greece to win over Croatia

Tyler Dorsey posted a new scoring high for the Greek NT, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered clutch plays, and Greece opened EuroBasket 2022 with a 89-85 (24-16, 22-14, 24-32, 19-23) win over star-studded Croatia. It’s Greece’s 10th straight victory in …

Tyler Dorsey posted a new scoring high for the Greek NT, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered clutch plays, and Greece opened EuroBasket 2022 with a 89-85 (24-16, 22-14, 24-32, 19-23) win over star-studded Croatia. It’s Greece’s 10th straight victory in a EuroBasket premiere.

Source: BasketNews

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Ben Anderson @BensHoops
Bojan Bogdanovic had 19 points and 7 rebounds for Croatia today in their Eurobasket loss to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece. – 1:28 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
For a player who closed out an NBA Finals series with 50-point game, that sequence was nothing more than a proof of his top-level game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best player in the world. Case closed! #CROGRE #EuroBasket #FeartheDeer pic.twitter.com/9SOnNEzPz5 – 1:27 PM

GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Tyler Dorsey was unstoppable vs Croatia and he played like a pure scorer: 27 points, an overall amazing performance and the W for Greece (89-85). #HellasBasketball #EuroBasket2022 pic.twitter.com/4cm5hkRo4B – 1:11 PM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo pulls a reverse alley-oop in crunch time to finish off Croatia 🤯😳
#EuroBasket
pic.twitter.com/EcHBVtCwPD – 1:05 PM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Helluva game in Milan where Greece wasted a huge lead but came on top against star-studded Croatia💪
It was Giannis Antetokounmpo who decided the game with incredible clutch plays:
basketnews.com/news-177303-cl… – 1:05 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo was close to the 4th triple-double in EuroBasket history on his first game 🤯
2️⃣7️⃣ PTS
1️⃣1️⃣ REB
6️⃣ AST
The only players who have recorded a triple double in EuroBasket are:
🇭🇷 Toni Kukoc
🇭🇷 Stojko Vrankovic
🇷🇴 Andrei Mandache pic.twitter.com/CMPkcVdJgP – 12:59 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Croatia comes up short against Greece, 89-85.
-Dario Saric: 0 points (0-6 FG, 0-5 3P), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 TOs in 20 minutes
-Bojan Bogdanovic: 19 points (8-15 FG), 7 rebounds
-Giannis Antetokounmpo: 27-11-6 (9-24 FG) – 12:59 PM
GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Giannis Antetokounmpo, #EuroBasket2022 edition.
In the first game vs Croatia (W for Greece, 85-89) Giannis had 27 points (9/24 FG, 9/11 FT), 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks
Amazing performance with 2 blocks and 5pts in the last minute. #HellasBasketball – 12:59 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Tyler Dorsey vs Croatia
27 points (career-high with Greek National Team)
9-17 FG
5-9 3P
4-4 FT
5 rebounds
2 assists
3 steals
27 ranking
Dallas Mavericks newcomer was difference maker for Greece. #EuroBasket #crogre #HellasBasketball #MFFL – 12:58 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
I completely understand why everyone believed that fake Giannis box score last week. – 12:58 PM
GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Giannis saved Greece. What a game, what a win! #CROGRE #EuroBasket2022 pic.twitter.com/BxlW5aGm1x – 12:58 PM

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis Antetokounmpo vs Croatia
27 points
9-24 FG
9-11 3P
11 rebounds
6 assists
1 steal
3 blocks
30 ranking
Greece started #EuroBasket 2022 with an important win over Croatia #crogre #HellasBasketball #FeartheDeer – 12:58 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Giannis is still ridiculous. Just in case anyone forgot.
Oh, and he has skills too. Just in case you heard he doesn’t. – 12:58 PM
Wade Baldwin @The_Fourth_Wade
Lotta Europeans constantly said, “Giannis wouldn’t do the same thing in Europe competition” SHIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTTT. Don’t ever argue with me – 12:57 PM
Evan Sidery @esidery
Giannis Antetokounmpo is simply unfair. Incredible sequence with the game on the line for Greece. pic.twitter.com/BP7HEWSng2 – 12:57 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Superhuman stuff from Giannis Antetokounmpo in the final few minutes of the game.
Backside block on Zubac in a two-point game.
Reverse dunk finish on an alley-oop for a four-point lead.
Blocked 3 to keep it a four-point game, which…
Leads to an and-one in transition.
Unreal. – 12:56 PM
Kevin Pelton @kpelton
Giannis with highlight plays on both offense and defense in the closing moments of a crucial game? I’ve seen this movie before but the jerseys looked different. – 12:56 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Giannis finally gets his revenge on Hezonja🤣 pic.twitter.com/vUd7D78ZCA – 12:56 PM

Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Giannis playing FIBA is incredible. The international game doesn’t fit his skillset as much, but he’s still so overwhelming. – 12:56 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Incredible defensive plays by Giannis in the clutch! Blocking shots at the rim and from the three-point line. – 12:56 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Herculean effort to close out this game by Giannis. Magnificent work with the game on the line. – 12:55 PM
GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Wait. What was that? “Clutch Giannis” is here. #CROGRE #EuroBasket2022 pic.twitter.com/TvRzvFw44i – 12:53 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Giannis. Still unfair. Blocks Ivica Zubac on one end and then throws down a reverse alley-oop in the half-court. Just unfair – 12:53 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis hummered it down! What a play! Greece up by 4 (86-82) with 46 seconds remaining. #crogre #EuroBasket – 12:53 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
lmao Croatia scratched and clawed only to get Giannis’d on back-to-back possessions – 12:53 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
I’m not sure the Greeks have connected on a single alley-oop thrown to Giannis Antetokounmpo today. – 12:52 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Croatia has done a wonderful job of limiting lobs to Giannis by getting to the pass before Giannis can. – 12:45 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Giannis outnumbered when he’s taking it at Croatia on the break and it still feels like an advantage for him. – 12:41 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Krunoslav Simon keeps Croatia alive in the game vs Greece. But Tyler Dorsey and Giannis responded immediately! #crogre #EuroBasket – 12:39 PM
J. Kyle Mann @jkylemann
giannis just made bojan look like child attacking the rim in transition
counterpoint here being that giannis does this to every living human – 12:30 PM
Mark Woods @markbritball
Greece shrugging off a 15-0 third quarter burst from Croatia to take a 70-62 lead into the 4th. Giannis now with 20p 11r pic.twitter.com/euQXMEft7S – 12:27 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Giannis said enough. – 12:23 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Tyler Dorsey again! He’s had a hell of a game. – 12:20 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Croatia got Tyler Dorsey looking like T-Mac – 12:15 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
That pass from Dorsey to Giannis was 🤌🏼 – 12:13 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Fun fact: Dimitris Itoudis is speaking English during his timeouts 🗣️
Nick Calathes and Tyler Dorsey were born in 🇺🇸 while there is also American-Israeli assistant coach Josh Oppenheimer.
#EuroBasket – 12:13 PM
Mark Woods @markbritball
M-V-P chants ringing out for Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milan.
Really the catalyst for Greece’s 55-42 lead over Croatia – along with new Mav Tyler Dorsey. – 12:11 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
After the first half:
🇬🇷 Tyler Dorsey: 2️⃣0️⃣ PTS
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo: 1️⃣2️⃣ PTS
🇭🇷 The whole Croatia team: 3️⃣0️⃣ PTS
😳
#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/ZVYPmGu03g – 11:58 AM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Greece blowing out Croatia at half almost solely off of Tyler Dorsey buckets and a severe mismatch in guard play overall… 12 to 1 in turnovers – 11:51 AM
GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Unbelievable: Tyler Dorsey scored 20 points (3/4 2PTS, 4/6 3PTS/ 2/2 FT) in the first half of Croatia – Greece game. Greece is up by +16 (30-46, halftime). #CROGRE #EuroBasket #HellasBasketball pic.twitter.com/wPx5agB5yq – 11:48 AM

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Tyler Dorsey in the 1st half vs Croatia
20 points
7-10 FG
4-6 3P
2-2 FT
3 rebounds
Greece leads 46-30 Croatia at half time. #EuroBasket #HellasBasketball #crogre #MFFL – 11:48 AM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
If Tyler Dorsey comes to Mavs camp and plays like he’s playing for Greece this summer, he’s going to force them to make some decisions they might not have been planning to make. He’s got 18 midway in the 2nd qtr as Greece is blowing out Croatia. #Eurobasket22 – 11:39 AM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Tyler Dorsey with an unbelievable first half thus far. 18 of Greece’s 34 points.
Just cashed in a corner 3 on a pretty no-look pass from Giannis Antetokounmpo and then got a steal and finished on the break.
That type of guard play will be critical for Greece in this tournament. – 11:36 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
A Tyler Dorsey masterclass has broken out in Greece-Croatia. Dude has 18 points for Greece in 12 minutes and has taken over – 11:35 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Tyler Dorsey is rinsing Croatia – 11:34 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo has arrived into #EuroBasket with FORCE 😤
pic.twitter.com/bUQookbJgO – 11:29 AM

Tas Melas @TasMelas
Tyler Dorsey got that Greek spelling. Every Adetokubo had to do it too. #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/05U4ONn69V – 11:24 AM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Giannis remains a frustratingly impossible defensive assignment. He turned it on and Greece has been on a 15-2 run ever since. No timeout from Croatia didn’t help – 11:19 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Croatia running its offense almost exclusively around the midpost. Mixed results, to say the least! Need some dribble penetration badly.
Tyler Dorsey is a gamechanger for Greece. – 11:19 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Really good start by Tyler Dorsey. 8 points and 2-2 from deep. Greece up by 8 (20-12) with 1:44 remaining in the 1st quarter. #HellasBasketball #crogre #EuroBasket – 11:19 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Thanasis from deep!
Giannis made the play and Thanasis scored #HellasBasketball #crogre #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/v2LYZ7Xk9r – 11:14 AM

Mark Woods @markbritball
Giannis just drove the paint – then kicked to Thanasis in the corner to level Greece – Croatia at 10-10. And the Hellas wave reverberated here in Milan. – 11:12 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Thanasis Antetokounmpo brings energy and different vibe on the floor. #croge #EuroBasket #Fearthedeer – 11:11 AM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
There are not many teams in Eurobasket that can build some semblance of the wall required to slow down Giannis Antetokounmpo.
But with Ivica Zubac at the tip of the spear and Dario Saric, Bojan Bogdanovic and Mario Hezonja behind it, Croatia has built a pretty formidable wall. – 11:11 AM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Announcer just said that Giannis Antetokounmpo has “a great second hand” in Tyler Dorsey, who has the first five Greek points as they play Croatia in the EuroBasket. Dorsey, of course, signed a two-way contract with the Mavericks. Watch on ESPN+ – 11:11 AM
GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Georgios Papagiannis and Kostas Antetokounmpo will not be availabe for Greece’s game vs Croatia tonight. #EuroBasket #HellasBasketball – 10:50 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
The Greek Freak is ready to shine again! #EuroBasket #HellasBasketball #crogre #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/gwtQA4L82f – 10:45 AM

GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Giannis and Greece are here. #EuroBasket #HellasBasketball @IONIKOS1972, @SdnaGr pic.twitter.com/Nce7CLf4he – 10:38 AM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Greek Freak is here #EuroBasket
pic.twitter.com/4GgG3UCPOT – 10:29 AM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece start Eurobasket competition in one hour.
Mike Budenholzer: “I think there’s just so much pride for him in where he’s from and being Greek and being in Greece…You can feel it. It’s fun to be around.”
At @TheAthletic: theathletic.com/3541907/2022/0… – 10:01 AM
GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Giannis’ effect in the streets of Milan… #Eurobasket2022 #HellasBasketball pic.twitter.com/HSKRI8uf9I – 8:35 AM

Mark Woods @markbritball
Giannis doing work in Milan pic.twitter.com/GK2KjCA7Ka – 4:00 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
A quick guide on how to watch Thanasis, Giannis & Kostas Antetokounmpo (& Sandro Mamukelashvili) play in the EuroBasket 2022 tournament 📺📲jsonline.com/story/sports/n… via ⁦@journalsentinel⁩ – 3:19 PM
Giannis Antetokounmpo @Giannis_An34
Business time. #Hellas 💼🇬🇷💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/9DYLOR0p2X – 3:07 PM

More on this storyline

Giannis blocked a crucial shot by Ivica Zubac and made a reverse alley-oop jam on the other end (86-82). And it was not the end. Giannis blocked one more shot and finished the game with a 2+1 play. Even though Giannis Antetokounmpo did not have a perfect shooting night, the Greek Freak posted 27 points (9/20 2PT, 0/4 3PT, 9/11 FT), 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks, and 30 EFF. Tyler Dorsey aided him with the same 27 points (4/8 2PT, 5/9 3PT, 4/4 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 27 EFF. -via BasketNews / September 2, 2022
The Golden State Warriors head coach Kerr spoke this week with Egyptian outlet FilGoal during a trip to Cairo, Egypt to coach campers at a Basketball Without Borders program. Kerr, who was born in Beirut, Lebanon, spent several years living in Cairo as a teenager but had not been back since 1985. During the interview with FilGoal, Kerr was asked which current NBA player (not on the Warriors) he would most like to coach. “[Milwaukee Bucks star] Giannis [Antetokounmpo],” Kerr replied. “I’d love to coach Giannis. He’s a great player, but he also seems like a great person.” -via Larry Brown Sports / September 1, 2022
Despite that fact, former NBA star Gilbert Arenas recently had some interesting things to say about Giannis Antetokounmpo. “Right now, his game is all physical,” Arenas said. He explained. “I’m saying if you guys had him No. 1 or No. 2, and he does not understand this game yet, that’s scary,” Arenas said. “… Give him Tim Duncan’s knowledge, whole different player, isn’t he?” -via ahnfiredigital.com / August 31, 2022
The duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Tyler Dorsey provided an efficient performance to overpower Poland 101-78 (27-10, 23-27, 19-22, 32-19) in the second match of the Acropolis tournament. Giannis led the team with 24 points in almost 23 minutes of play. He shot a whopping 19 free throws, making 12 of them. Overall, the Greek Freak shot the ball only 8 times from the court. -via BasketNews / August 17, 2022

Giannis Antetokounmpo breaks scoring record in World Cup Qualifiers game

FIBA Basketball World Cup: The scored by @Giannis Antetokounmpo against Serbia is a new individual record for the FIBA Basketball World Cup European Qualifiers #FIBAWC | #WinForHellas Source: Twitter What’s the buzz on Twitter? GeorgeZakkas @ …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Right now the Greek NT is dealing with four injury problems: Kostas Sloukas, Ioannis Papapetrou, Georgios Papagiannis & Kostas Antetokounmpo. The next few days will be very crucial and the medical examinations will determine the Greek lineup for the #EuroBasket. #HellasBasketball – 5:34 PM
Katy Winge @katywinge
“In the land of MVPs”
Another angle of Jokić over Giannis that must be shared
pic.twitter.com/hDzkWaTNQs – 5:26 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Giannis vs Jokic head-to-head matchups:
Giannis — Jokic —
23/10/5 22/10/8
52.7 FG% 56.5 FG%
Jokic is up 8-4. pic.twitter.com/E8nCwEg9H4 – 5:05 PM

GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Giannis Antetokounmpo was the only Greek player who shot free throws in Belgrade (10/14 FT) vs Serbia and Tyler Dorsey talked about it in the press conference.
“I’m just very surpised. If you find that in any other game let me know”, he said. #SRBGRE pic.twitter.com/leGnzvQXDD – 4:55 PM

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
The battle of the MVPs in Belgrade
Nikola Jokic vs Giannis Antetokounmpo shot chart.
Jokic: 11-16 FG
Giannis: 14-25 FG
#SRBGRE #MileHighBasketball #FearTheDeer #FIBAWCQ pic.twitter.com/iokbegKELJ – 4:49 PM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Heated battle from two MVPs tonight in Belgrade: 🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo’s career-night was not enough, as Serbia with 🇷🇸 Nikola Jokic wins a thriller after over time ✊
#FIBAWC #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/x0lEpCXvDx – 4:37 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
You know what? Think a Nuggets-Bucks Finals would be pretty, pretty tasty.
Joker (29 points) outduels Giannis (40) as Serbia knocks off Greece. – 4:26 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis Antetokounmpo vs Serbia (FIBA WC Qualifiers)
40 points (career-high with Greek National Team)
14-25 FG
10-14 FT
8 rebounds
5 assists
2 steals
3 turnovers
#SRBGRE #FeartheDeer #FIBAWCQ – 4:24 PM
GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
That was an EPIC DUEL for the #FIBAWC Qualifiers.
Nikola Jokic: 29PTS, 8REB, 6AST.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 40PTS, 8REB, 5AST.
Serbia won the game vs Greece in the overtime (100-94). #SRBGRE pic.twitter.com/tIN2a8OEgQ – 4:24 PM

Katy Winge @katywinge
NIKOLA JOKIĆ SOMBOR SHUFFLE OVER GIANNIS pic.twitter.com/5EFqAa6Mjr – 4:16 PM
Nicolas Batum @nicolas88batum
How Jokic just made this step back, turnaround, one foot 3 with Giannis all over him in the corner? 🤦🏽‍♂️ – 4:02 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Thanasis Antetokounmpo is Greece’s game changer in Belgrade. His energy is contagious to the whole team on both ends. #SRBGRE #HellasBasketball #FearTheDeer – 3:51 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
What a finish from Nikola Mulitinov.
Serbia remains up 7 thru three quarters, 70-63. Joker will probably come back in pretty soon. He’s played just 19 of 30 minutes. Giannis has played 25 minutes. – 3:36 PM
Katy Winge @katywinge
Wishing I was in Serbia watching Jokić vs Giannis rn – 3:33 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Kostas Antetokounmpo is out for the rest of the game vs Serbia due to an irritation in the patellar tendon of the right foot. #SRBGRE #HellasBasketball – 3:28 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic has guarded Giannis on every possession since halftime. He’s routinely stopping him 1-on-1 too. – 3:21 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Joker’s defense on Giannis has been awesome. – 3:20 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Serbia’s Vasilije Micic and Greece’s Kostas Antetokounmpo were forced to exit the World Cup Qualifiers game between the two sides
eurohoops.net/en/fiba/138127… – 3:19 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Serbia – Greece 51-44 (Half time)
Nikola Jokic
11 pts / 5-7 FG / 4 rebs / 3 asts / 5 tos
Giannis Antetokounmpo
17 pts / 5-10 FG / 4 rebs / 4 asts / 1 stl / 1 to
#SRBGRE #Milehighbasketball #FeartheDeer #FIBAWCQ – 2:54 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
51-44 halftime lead for Serbia
Jokic 11 p.
Giannis 17 p.
pic.twitter.com/3KXhnWCrsq – 2:53 PM

GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Giannis Antetokounmpo had an amazing first half vs Serbia: 17 points (4/8 2PTS, 1/2 3PTS, 6/8 FT), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal. Serbia is up by +7 (51-44). #SRBGRE #HellasBasketball – 2:53 PM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Nikola Jokic with a tough, tough finish over Giannis to take a 46-42 lead and get him up to 9 points.
This Belgrade crowd loves it! #DNVRSerbia pic.twitter.com/QLmPy3tLmJ – 2:51 PM

GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Alert: Vasilije Micic and Kostas Antetokounmpo were injured (not in the same play) during the 2nd quarter of Serbia – Greece game. Both of them went to the locker rooms. Extreme anxiety… #SRBGRE – 2:48 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Jokic vs. Giannis at Stark Arena
The two players responsible for the last four MVP’s
Iconic
📸 @RyanGreeneDNVR pic.twitter.com/vp1TiudB0O – 2:37 PM

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Kostas Antetokounmpo plays like a veteran player against Serbia. His confidence is really high and shows his aggresiveness and his development on both ends. Really good to see him play #SRBGRE #FIBAWCQ – 2:33 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Serbia vs Greece (1st quarter)
Nikola Jokic
4 points / 2-3 FG / 1 rebound / 2 assists / 4 turnovers
Giannis Antetokounmpo
10 points / 4-5 FG / 1 rebound / 4 assists / 1 steal
#Milehighbasketball #FearTheDeer #FIBAWCQ #SRBGRE – 2:20 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Not a strong start for Joker with 4 turnovers, but he’s a notorious slow starter in these formats. Nikola Mulitinov came in for him a couple minutes ago but Giannis stayed in and did some more work. – 2:13 PM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Giannis with a pass to his brother for the connection! pic.twitter.com/xFFSyGv4e9 – 2:08 PM

Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
It’s time.
Nikola Jokic vs. Giannis
I’m courtside, in Belgrade. What a dream! #DNVRSerbia pic.twitter.com/C63qkOO0Wv – 2:02 PM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Of course Zeljko Obradovic is not missing a battle between 🇷🇸 Jokic’s Serbia and 🇬🇷 Giannis’ Greece in Belgrade 😎
#FIBAWC #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/pmrXDRxMXO – 1:57 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Tonight is a must-win for Serbia vs. Giannis and Greece. They need it to qualify for next year’s World Cup. The pressure is on. We’ve felt it here all week. It’s a massive, massive game. pic.twitter.com/BsBZ1SDtjb – 1:16 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Serbia-Greece starts in 1.5 hours. Courtside 1891 is broadcasting it for a fee. I’m not sure if folks will be able to find it for free.
If Serbia loses, they’re out. Jokić v Giannis. Hyped up. – 12:40 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
How Dimitrios Itoudis makes Giannis Antetokounmpo unstoppable ✊🇬🇷
Full episode: https://t.co/1vdHPQQwVE pic.twitter.com/uBnwgqVpU8 – 10:00 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Tonight the last two NBA MVPs will face off in a FIBA game 🔥
🇷🇸 Nikola Jokic (2021 & 2022)
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo (2019 & 2020)
When had this happened before? At the 2008 Beijing Olympics:
🇺🇸 Kobe Bryant (2008)
🇩🇪 Dirk Nowitzki (2007)
(via @HellenicBF)
#FIBAWC #WinForAll – 8:26 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Who will win EuroBasket? Greece & Giannis Antetokounpo, Slovenia & Luka Doncic, Serbia & Nikola Jokic, or maybe Turkey with Ergin Ataman & Shane Larkin in front? 👀
Pick your winners and win prizes here:
basketnews.com/news-176810-eu… – 1:47 AM
Kane Pitman @KanePitman
New @lockedonbucks w/@adaniels33
Great chat on the offseason with Antonio.
-Did the offseason make sense?
-How should the team attack the regular season?
-Bud’s evolution as a coach
-Giannis and Tim Duncan similarities
📺 https://t.co/FdXNPFqynu
🎙️ https://t.co/fq5or6OoXX pic.twitter.com/QflJxxvaUH – 12:10 AM

More on this storyline

 

Nikola Jokic leads the Serbian National team (2-3) to an important victory over Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greece (3-2) in the World Cup 2023 qualifiers game with a final score of 100-94 (31-25, 20-19, 19-19, 17-24, 13-7). In a duel between two NBA superstars, Serbia kept their chances alive to qualify for the 2023 World Cup after defeating Greece, despite 40-point performance by Giannis Antetokounmpo. -via BasketNews / August 25, 2022
Christos Tsaltas: Nikola Jokic vs Greece (FIBA WC Qualifiers) 29 points 11-16 FG 5-10 FT 8 rebounds 6 assists 1 steal 6 turnovers #SRBGRE #Milehighbasketball #FIBAWCQ -via Twitter @Tsaltas46 / August 25, 2022
Christos Tsaltas: Ahead of tomorrow’s Serbia – Greece game in Belgrade: No Nemanja Bjelica for Serbia. No Georgios Papagiannis and Ioannis Papapetrou for Greece. BUT, Jokic and Giannis will be there, ready to fight. The battle of the MVPs! #MileHighBasketball #FearTheDeer #FIBAWorldCup -via Twitter @Tsaltas46 / August 24, 2022

 

Nikola Jokic looked unstoppable against Giannis Antetokounmpo in duel at FIBA World Cup qualifiers

Jokic and Giannis have won each of the last four MVP trophies.

Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the winners of each of the last four Most Valuable Player trophies, faced off against each other Tuesday.

Jokic represented Serbia while Antetokounmpo represented Greece in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. Based on the seeding, however, it was a must-win game for Serbia. Fortunately for Jokic, the game was in Belgrade at Stark Arena in Serbia, which gave them a massive home-court advantage.

Both players looked outstanding during the game, and Serbia needed to emerge victorious to qualify for the World Cup. During the game’s second half Jokic switched to defend Antetokounmpo on every possession and he regularly contained him one-on-one.

In the fourth quarter, on the offensive side of the floor, Jokic was somehow able to beat Antetokounmpo off the dribble for an absurd stepback jumper from the corner:

The possession shocked everyone, including other NBA players who were tweeting about the game.

Eventually, the match went into overtime, and the two superstars both took over for their respective nations. You can watch some of the best highlights below:

Antetokounmpo finished with 40 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. That was his career-high in scoring for the Greek national team.

Jokic had 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists while also coming away with the victory. It was an absolutely marvelous performance from the reigning MVP.

DNVR’s Harrison Wind captured a video of Jokic walking off the court that will give you immediate chills:

Serbia plays against Turkey on August 28, and Greece will take on Belgium.

FIBA’s first EuroBasket tournament since 2017 then begins on September 1. Jokic and Antetokounmpo, as well as Luka Doncic and several other NBA stars, are expected to participate for their national teams.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f5k5x3v4hcz7e10g image=https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

[lawrence-related id=1873582]

[listicle id=1938707]

 

Serbia wins in battle of MVPs between Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo

Nikola Jokic leads the Serbian National team (2-3) to an important victory over Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greece (3-2) in the World Cup 2023 qualifiers game with a final score of 100-94 (31-25, 20-19, 19-19, 17-24, 13-7). In a duel between two NBA …

Nikola Jokic leads the Serbian National team (2-3) to an important victory over Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greece (3-2) in the World Cup 2023 qualifiers game with a final score of 100-94 (31-25, 20-19, 19-19, 17-24, 13-7). In a duel between two NBA superstars, Serbia kept their chances alive to qualify for the 2023 World Cup after defeating Greece, despite 40-point performance by Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Source: BasketNews

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Heated battle from two MVPs tonight in Belgrade: 🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo’s career-night was not enough, as Serbia with 🇷🇸 Nikola Jokic wins a thriller after over time ✊
#FIBAWC #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/x0lEpCXvDx – 4:37 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
You know what? Think a Nuggets-Bucks Finals would be pretty, pretty tasty.
Joker (29 points) outduels Giannis (40) as Serbia knocks off Greece. – 4:26 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis Antetokounmpo vs Serbia (FIBA WC Qualifiers)
40 points (career-high with Greek National Team)
14-25 FG
10-14 FT
8 rebounds
5 assists
2 steals
3 turnovers
#SRBGRE #FeartheDeer #FIBAWCQ – 4:24 PM
GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
That was an EPIC DUEL for the #FIBAWC Qualifiers.
Nikola Jokic: 29PTS, 8REB, 6AST.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 40PTS, 8REB, 5AST.
Serbia won the game vs Greece in the overtime (100-94). #SRBGRE pic.twitter.com/tIN2a8OEgQ – 4:24 PM

Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Photo of @DLineCo body the moment his soul ascended to basketball heaven once Jokic hit a Sombor Shuffle. pic.twitter.com/SQ1W92IJLk – 4:17 PM

Katy Winge @katywinge
NIKOLA JOKIĆ SOMBOR SHUFFLE OVER GIANNIS pic.twitter.com/5EFqAa6Mjr – 4:16 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
BELGRADE — Nikola Jokic might be better than he was last season. – 4:09 PM
Nicolas Batum @nicolas88batum
How Jokic just made this step back, turnaround, one foot 3 with Giannis all over him in the corner? 🤦🏽‍♂️ – 4:02 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
HOLY SHIT JOKER – 3:58 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Thanasis Antetokounmpo is Greece’s game changer in Belgrade. His energy is contagious to the whole team on both ends. #SRBGRE #HellasBasketball #FearTheDeer – 3:51 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
This has the feeling of a classic Nikola Jokic 4th quarter. – 3:48 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
What a finish from Nikola Mulitinov.
Serbia remains up 7 thru three quarters, 70-63. Joker will probably come back in pretty soon. He’s played just 19 of 30 minutes. Giannis has played 25 minutes. – 3:36 PM
Katy Winge @katywinge
Wishing I was in Serbia watching Jokić vs Giannis rn – 3:33 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Kostas Antetokounmpo is out for the rest of the game vs Serbia due to an irritation in the patellar tendon of the right foot. #SRBGRE #HellasBasketball – 3:28 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic has guarded Giannis on every possession since halftime. He’s routinely stopping him 1-on-1 too. – 3:21 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Joker’s defense on Giannis has been awesome. – 3:20 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Serbia’s Vasilije Micic and Greece’s Kostas Antetokounmpo were forced to exit the World Cup Qualifiers game between the two sides
eurohoops.net/en/fiba/138127… – 3:19 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Serbia – Greece 51-44 (Half time)
Nikola Jokic
11 pts / 5-7 FG / 4 rebs / 3 asts / 5 tos
Giannis Antetokounmpo
17 pts / 5-10 FG / 4 rebs / 4 asts / 1 stl / 1 to
#SRBGRE #Milehighbasketball #FeartheDeer #FIBAWCQ – 2:54 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
51-44 halftime lead for Serbia
Jokic 11 p.
Giannis 17 p.
pic.twitter.com/3KXhnWCrsq – 2:53 PM

GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Giannis Antetokounmpo had an amazing first half vs Serbia: 17 points (4/8 2PTS, 1/2 3PTS, 6/8 FT), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal. Serbia is up by +7 (51-44). #SRBGRE #HellasBasketball – 2:53 PM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Nikola Jokic with a tough, tough finish over Giannis to take a 46-42 lead and get him up to 9 points.
This Belgrade crowd loves it! #DNVRSerbia pic.twitter.com/QLmPy3tLmJ – 2:51 PM

GeorgeZakkas @ZakkasGeorge
Alert: Vasilije Micic and Kostas Antetokounmpo were injured (not in the same play) during the 2nd quarter of Serbia – Greece game. Both of them went to the locker rooms. Extreme anxiety… #SRBGRE – 2:48 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Jokic vs. Giannis at Stark Arena
The two players responsible for the last four MVP’s
Iconic
📸 @RyanGreeneDNVR pic.twitter.com/vp1TiudB0O – 2:37 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Thansis is trying to be an irritant to Joker right now. – 2:34 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Kostas Antetokounmpo plays like a veteran player against Serbia. His confidence is really high and shows his aggresiveness and his development on both ends. Really good to see him play #SRBGRE #FIBAWCQ – 2:33 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Nice extended rest for Jokic as Serbian is on a roll. 37-28. – 2:26 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Serbia vs Greece (1st quarter)
Nikola Jokic
4 points / 2-3 FG / 1 rebound / 2 assists / 4 turnovers
Giannis Antetokounmpo
10 points / 4-5 FG / 1 rebound / 4 assists / 1 steal
#Milehighbasketball #FearTheDeer #FIBAWCQ #SRBGRE – 2:20 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Mulitinov is legit good. Might see a two big lineup with Joker later in this game. – 2:15 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Not a strong start for Joker with 4 turnovers, but he’s a notorious slow starter in these formats. Nikola Mulitinov came in for him a couple minutes ago but Giannis stayed in and did some more work. – 2:13 PM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Looks like I have company to watch. @Tobias Harris bff @Boban Marjanovic
Going to ask him if he wants to play on the same team as Nikola Jokic. @DNVR_Nuggets @DNVR_Sports #DNVRSerbia pic.twitter.com/0mO5xgfURz – 2:12 PM

Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Giannis with a pass to his brother for the connection! pic.twitter.com/xFFSyGv4e9 – 2:08 PM

Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Nikola Jokic on the board vs. Greece. #DNVRSerbia pic.twitter.com/AtnmGU9ODX – 2:03 PM

Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
It’s time.
Nikola Jokic vs. Giannis
I’m courtside, in Belgrade. What a dream! #DNVRSerbia pic.twitter.com/C63qkOO0Wv – 2:02 PM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Of course Zeljko Obradovic is not missing a battle between 🇷🇸 Jokic’s Serbia and 🇬🇷 Giannis’ Greece in Belgrade 😎
#FIBAWC #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/pmrXDRxMXO – 1:57 PM

Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
VERY loud cheer when Nikola Jokic was brought out.
It’s game time!! #DNVRSerbia pic.twitter.com/52Jlv8Zt4W – 1:53 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Tonight is a must-win for Serbia vs. Giannis and Greece. They need it to qualify for next year’s World Cup. The pressure is on. We’ve felt it here all week. It’s a massive, massive game. pic.twitter.com/BsBZ1SDtjb – 1:16 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Serbia-Greece starts in 1.5 hours. Courtside 1891 is broadcasting it for a fee. I’m not sure if folks will be able to find it for free.
If Serbia loses, they’re out. Jokić v Giannis. Hyped up. – 12:40 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
As best as I can tell, Davis Bertans and Latvia start the Mavs-centric Europe action today against Turkey at 11:30 a.m. Dallas time. Tyler Dorsey and Greece play some dude named Jokic and Serbia at 1 p.m. Luka and Slovenia against Estonia at 1:30. Canada plays later tonight. – 11:11 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
How Dimitrios Itoudis makes Giannis Antetokounmpo unstoppable ✊🇬🇷
Full episode: https://t.co/1vdHPQQwVE pic.twitter.com/uBnwgqVpU8 – 10:00 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Tonight the last two NBA MVPs will face off in a FIBA game 🔥
🇷🇸 Nikola Jokic (2021 & 2022)
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo (2019 & 2020)
When had this happened before? At the 2008 Beijing Olympics:
🇺🇸 Kobe Bryant (2008)
🇩🇪 Dirk Nowitzki (2007)
(via @HellenicBF)
#FIBAWC #WinForAll – 8:26 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Who will win EuroBasket? Greece & Giannis Antetokounpo, Slovenia & Luka Doncic, Serbia & Nikola Jokic, or maybe Turkey with Ergin Ataman & Shane Larkin in front? 👀
Pick your winners and win prizes here:
basketnews.com/news-176810-eu… – 1:47 AM
Kane Pitman @KanePitman
New @lockedonbucks w/@adaniels33
Great chat on the offseason with Antonio.
-Did the offseason make sense?
-How should the team attack the regular season?
-Bud’s evolution as a coach
-Giannis and Tim Duncan similarities
📺 https://t.co/FdXNPFqynu
🎙️ https://t.co/fq5or6OoXX pic.twitter.com/QflJxxvaUH – 12:10 AM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Rakija Hour from Belgrade
– Champions League match
– Misko (Jokic’s agent) interview
– Reviewing the trip so far
youtube.com/watch?v=HICHMS… – 5:55 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Could an NBA comeback be on the cards for Kostas Antetokounmpo?
Giannis’ younger brother has reportedly had some talks with an NBA team ⤵️
basketnews.com/news-176889-ko… – 5:22 PM

More on this storyline

 

Christos Tsaltas: Nikola Jokic vs Greece (FIBA WC Qualifiers) 29 points 11-16 FG 5-10 FT 8 rebounds 6 assists 1 steal 6 turnovers #SRBGRE #Milehighbasketball #FIBAWCQ -via Twitter @Tsaltas46 / August 25, 2022
Christos Tsaltas: Ahead of tomorrow’s Serbia – Greece game in Belgrade: No Nemanja Bjelica for Serbia. No Georgios Papagiannis and Ioannis Papapetrou for Greece. BUT, Jokic and Giannis will be there, ready to fight. The battle of the MVPs! #MileHighBasketball #FearTheDeer #FIBAWorldCup -via Twitter @Tsaltas46 / August 24, 2022
The 12 players available for Greece’s away game against Serbia were revealed by the Hellenic Basketball Federation Wednesday. The list includes Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Considered doubtful to play, both Giorgos Papagiannis and Ioannis Papapetrou were officially ruled out of the 2023 FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers Group I opener in Belgrade. Panagiotis Kalaitzakis and Giannis Kouzeloglou will miss the trip as well. -via EuroHoops.net / August 24, 2022
BasketNews: Nikola Jokic & Boban Marjanovic are a duo you need at every party – especially Bogdan Bogdanovic’s birthday 🕺😅 🎥 hotsport.rs/Instagram -via Twitter @BasketNews_com / August 23, 2022