Tag: Greece

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

 

Giannis Antetokounmpo to miss friendly against Turkey due to back pain

Dionysis Aravantinos: BREAKING: Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss tonight’s game against Turkey with back pain. Source: Twitter What’s the buzz on Twitter? Christos Tsaltas @ Tsaltas46 Giannis Antetokounmpo ruled out for tonight’s game vs Turkey due …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis Antetokounmpo ruled out for tonight’s game vs Turkey due to back soreness #HellasBasketball #FeartheDeer – 1:29 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
SOLD OUT
Last prep game for Greece and Turkey – Giannis Antetokounmpo expected to play pic.twitter.com/9Uk7etAWPK – 5:17 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Greece played its last friendly game without Giannis Antetokounmpo in a match that drew only a small amount of fans.
Dimitris Itoudis would like FIBA to change the way rosters for major tournaments are constructed and gave a historical example for it 🧐
basketnews.com/news-176653-di… – 4:34 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Sandro Mamukelashvili having a moment after the game 🤜🤛 pic.twitter.com/deA1z9Twy0 – 6:05 PM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t play on the second day of the Acropolis tournament, but Greece was still victorious 🇬🇷💪
Kostas Sloukas and Tyler Dorsey led Greece over Georgia in OAKA:
basketnews.com/news-176647-gr… – 5:49 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Georgia leads 37-34 Greece at half time. Greece plays withouth Giannis tonight. Greeks shot poorly from deep (2/17)
Tyler Dorsey is Greece’s topscorer in the 1st half with 7 points (2-8 FG)
Solid first half by Sandro Mamukelashvili (10pts, 3rebs).
#HellasBasketball #GoGeorgia – 2:57 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
No Giannis Antetokounmpo tonight, but Thanasis and Kostas Antetokounmpo are on the floor flying around against Georgia, while Sandro Mamukelashvili is doing the same thing on the other side.
Strong start for Mamu. 6 points, 2 rebounds, a steal, a block in the first 4 minutes. – 2:19 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
📅 On this day in 2020, the @Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo became the second player in NBA history to record at least 30p/15r in a playoff game while shooting less than 50% on FG and FT:
✅ 31 PTS
✅ 17 REB
✅ 48.0 FG%
✅ 44.4 FT%
He joined Wilt Chamberlain, who did so twice. pic.twitter.com/ICZcMHtb1G – 2:01 PM

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Cedi Osman was scoreless in the first half, but in the second he had 15 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals. Decent second half for Osman who will face Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece tomorrow night (08/19, 21.00 pm local time).
#BizBirlikteyiz #Cavs #LetEmKnow – 1:08 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Greece vs. Georgia #FIBA
Giannis Antetokounmpo OUT
eurohoops.net/en/eurobasket/… – 11:08 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
After a great Summer League, Sandro Mamukelashvili (@Sandro Mamukelashvili) talks to BasketNews about @_GeoBasketball in the @EuroBasket, Greece, Italy & his aspirations with the @Bucks.
He also recalls a night out with Giannis Antetokounmpo & Nikos Galis ⬇️
basketnews.com/news-176597-sa… – 9:59 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Sandro Mamukelashvili at @SdnaGr on Giannis Antetokounmpo: “Giannis is a warrior! He puts everything on the line. He’s the guy who doesn’t care about anything but how he’s going to be the best player every day and how he’s going to be the most competitive guy”. #FeartheDeer – 9:32 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Sat down w/ @Sandro Mamukelashvili and he reflected on his rookie season at Bucks, his development, expectations, Giannis effect, which Bucks teammate he would like to recruit to the Georgia national team and more. #FearTheDeer #GoGeorgia
Interview at @SdnaGr: sdna.gr/mpasket/994661… – 7:07 AM
Giannis Antetokounmpo @Giannis_An34
Happy birthday big boy ❤️😍 #Big1 pic.twitter.com/9ISU2apiTo – 6:15 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Another superior performance from 🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo, as Greece overcome Poland’s barrier 🙌 pic.twitter.com/S46BmwdRWE – 4:11 PM

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis Antetokounmpo had a typical day in the office vs Poland tonight.
24 points
5-8 FG
12-19 FT
4 rebounds
2 steals
1 assist
23 minutes
Greece defeated 101-78 Poland in Day 1 of Acropolis Tournament in Athens.
#GREPOL #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/81vKR57MP0 – 4:07 PM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Nick Calathes throws alley-oop from half court to Kostas Antetokounmpo 😯
🎥 @ert_world pic.twitter.com/xVoAHJAIHy – 3:01 PM

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Greece lead 50-37 Poland at half time in Day 1 of the Acropolis Tournament.
Giannis Antetokounmpo started very well. 17 pts, 4-6 FG, 7-9 FT, 3 rebs, 1 asts.
#hellasbasketball #GREPOL #FearTheDeer – 2:52 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis Antetokounmpo needed 5’30” minutes in 1st quarter to make his presence felt on the floor. 10 points, 2-3 FG and 1 reb, 1 ast so far.
Greece leads 27-10 Poland after the 1st quarter. #hellasbasketball #GREPOL #Fearthedeer – 2:26 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Greece out to a quick 18-2 start in this one.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has 10 points and Kostas Antetokounmpo just finished off a two-hand dunk on a halfcourt alley-oop from Nick Calathes. – 2:17 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Coming up – Giannis-Luka-Jokic playing BASKETBALL almost at the same time
Slovenia vs Serbia in Ljubljana, Greece vs Poland in Athens pic.twitter.com/ebIM4bzrSy – 1:43 PM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Victor Wembanyama compared himself to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant. He also found parallels on the defensive end with Rudy Gobert 👀 pic.twitter.com/KJAn2HfpMC – 12:29 PM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
“Giannis is special and coach Itoudis is doing a great job”
Coach Budenholzer likes what he is seeing from the Greek national team #eurobasket2022
eurohoops.net/en/national-te… – 12:20 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Most PPG+RPG last season:
42.3 — Embiid
41.5 — Giannis
40.9 — Jokic
@215muse pic.twitter.com/W5c1Ug76uz – 10:05 AM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Greece and Giannis Antetokounmpo to be tested against Poland, Georgia, and Turkey #FIBA
eurohoops.net/en/eurobasket/… – 5:53 AM
Giannis Antetokounmpo @Giannis_An34
Better today than yesterday 💪🏾💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/AybGrFk5Om – 4:11 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Highest +/- over the last 5 seasons:
2,287 — Giannis
2,163 — Gobert
2,034 — Tatum pic.twitter.com/UJj04YVtAC – 3:18 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Players with 8,000+ PTS, 1,500+ REB, 1,500+ AST over the last 5 seasons:
— Giannis
— DeMar
— Harden
— LeBron
— Westbrook
— Jokic pic.twitter.com/82UqbRrmaJ – 2:32 PM

More on this storyline

 

On the heels of his second appearance in friendly action Wednesday, Giannis Antetokounmpo will not play against Georgia Thursday. In the latter stages of the training camp, Greece will conclude the 31st International Tournament Acropolis Aegean facing Turkey Friday. After being rested today, the Greek Freak is expected to be part of the final test before official games take over the schedule next week. -via EuroHoops.net / August 18, 2022
Timpf highlighted the fact that LeBron was second only to Giannis in the in made field-goals in the restricted per game (6.5), converting at a 75.3% clip. Giannis shot 76% from the restricted area and averaged 6.6 makes per game. “So basically, LeBron James through 19 seasons, with all the mileage on his body, with the horrific [floor] spacing that the Lakers had last year with Russell Westbrook on the court, the 22nd ranked three-point efficiency team in the league, with all of those factors working against him, he was every bit as productive and efficient getting the basket as Giannis. That’s outrageous.” -via Sports Illustrated / August 18, 2022

 

Giannis Antetokounmpo returns to Greek national team with a 30-point double-double against Spain

In the first prep game for both Greece and Spain, Giannis set the tone with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists. The Greek national team in front of 15.000 fans got an easy 86-70 win. Source: EuroHoops.net What’s the buzz on Twitter? Christos …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
It’s just the beginning! Giannis has many more flights on the way… #GREESP #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/PNq9o3fvAq – 2:29 PM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Giannis Antetokounmpo was all over the court tonight against Spain 😤🇬🇷 pic.twitter.com/Adn8LmXNmr – 2:26 PM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
The Greek Freak is ready for the Eurobasket 😳🇬🇷 pic.twitter.com/OgZVeMHsfx – 2:15 PM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Giannis Antetokounmpo with 31 points and 10 rebounds in prep win of Greece over Spain
eurohoops.net/en/national-te… – 2:04 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis Antetokounmpo vs Spain
31 points
11-13 FG
9-10 2P
2-3 3P
7-10 FT
10 rebounds
3 assists
1 steal
38 ranking
20’33” minutes
MVP mode: ON ahead of Eurobasket 2022! #GREESP #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/OIhT5L6tVV – 2:01 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Most PPG in a DPOY season:
35.0 — Michael Jordan
29.5 — Giannis Antetokounmpo
27.3 — Hakeem Olajuwon pic.twitter.com/S3PsR0OC4D – 1:57 PM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Giannis Antetokounmpo is putting in some serious work in the 4th quater for Greece 👀 pic.twitter.com/WjuMNm7fcd – 1:55 PM

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
“MVP” chants for Giannis Antetokounmpo at OAKA. 15.000 basketball fans stand by him. #GREESP – 1:45 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Giannis being Giannis with FIBA rules🏀🇬🇷
pic.twitter.com/fBVsseLg79 – 1:29 PM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
15.000 fans at OAKA on the 8th of August for a prep game
The Giannis effect pic.twitter.com/8hQUssrob5 – 1:25 PM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Also at OAKA for the return of Giannis in the Greek NT
Vassilis Spanoulis pic.twitter.com/tP9irNZ5uf – 1:15 PM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Before the start of the game Alex Antetokounmpo, Dimitris Moraitis from the Greek NT, presidents Vangelis Liolios and Jorge Garbajosa from the Greek and Spanish federation, and @UNICEF demonstrated their support to children refugees from Ukraine pic.twitter.com/6UzB6CCgq0 – 1:07 PM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Giannis Antetokounmpo plays his first game in his home country since 2019 🙏 pic.twitter.com/uVzjDFimS4 – 12:11 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Players to average 30+ PPG in the Finals:
Rick Barry
Allen Iverson
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Michael Jordan
Jerry West
Kevin Durant pic.twitter.com/yW3o7vkV5A – 10:05 AM

More on this storyline

 

Dionysis Aravantinos: Giannis getting MVP chants from 15K Greek fans in Athens while dropping a casual 30-piece in 20 minutes in Greece’s first prep game: -via Twitter / August 9, 2022
Christos Tsaltas: LeBron’s reaction to Giannis IG post with Greek National Team uniform and his brothers alongside. Real recognize real! #Antetokounbros #GreekFreak #KingJames pic.twitter.com/1yAyWx4PN0 -via Twitter @Tsaltas46 / August 6, 2022