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Spain Holds Off Greece in Thrilling EuroBasket Finish, Giannis’ Squad Falls to 0-2

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Spain Holds Off Greece in Thrilling EuroBasket Finish, Giannis' Squad Falls to 0-2
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In a thrilling FIBA EuroBasket encounter, reigning champions Spain showcased their resilience and tactical prowess to secure an 84-77 victory over Greece at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France. The win propels Spain to a 1-1 record while Greece faces a critical 0-2 start, intensifying their upcoming matchup against Australia.

Game Recap of EuroBasket

Spain dominated the first half, building a 16-point lead, thanks to an impressive shooting display from Sergio Llull, who drained three three-pointers, including a signature “mandarina” shot over Giannis Antetokounmpo. Llull’s performance helped Spain take control, with the team shooting an impressive 11-of-17 from beyond the arc in the first half.

However, Greece, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, mounted a spirited comeback. Antetokounmpo’s relentless inside play, coupled with Vasilis Toliopoulos’ four three-pointers, erased Spain’s lead. Giannis’ powerful slam over Santi Aldama tied the game at 71-71 with 4:30 remaining.

Spain’s Clutch Performance

Spain responded by tightening their defense, holding Greece scoreless for three crucial minutes. Aldama, who played a significant role in both defense and offense, secured a pivotal putback dunk, extending Spain’s lead to 79-71 with just over two minutes remaining. Despite a late push from Greece, highlighted by a 6-1 run spearheaded by Kostas Papanikolaou and Antetokounmpo, Spain sealed the victory from the free-throw line after Giannis missed a three-pointer that could have tied the game.

Key Players

  • Santi Aldama: Aldama was instrumental, not only defending Giannis but also contributing significantly on offense. His key plays in the final minutes underscored his value to the team.
  • Sergio Llull: The veteran guard scored 11 of his 13 points in the first half and added seven assists, demonstrating his enduring importance to Spain’s squad.

Tactical Insights

Spain’s 3-2 zone defense proved effective, disrupting Greece’s rhythm and forcing crucial turnovers. The Spanish offense excelled in ball distribution, stretching Greece’s defense and creating open shots from the corners. Spain’s three-point shooting (15-of-31) was a decisive factor, compared to Greece’s 12-of-35.

Injury Concern

Spain’s victory was marred by an injury to Rudy Fernandez, who left the game after a collision with teammate Juancho Hernangomez. His status will be closely monitored ahead of Spain’s next game against Canada.

Looking Ahead to EuroBasket

Spain’s triumph sets up a pivotal clash with Canada, while Greece faces a must-win game against Australia to keep their EuroBasket hopes alive. Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s 27-point effort was notable, but Greece’s early deficit proved too challenging to overcome.

Spain’s ability to withstand Greece’s comeback and execute in crunch time reaffirms their championship pedigree, making them a formidable contender as the tournament progresses.


Spain’s blend of defensive tenacity and offensive precision highlights their strength, while Greece must regroup quickly to avoid an early exit from the competition.

Eric

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