Even though Greece lost to Canada recently, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo still put on a great show for everyone watching the game. In turn, Canadian head coach Jordi Fernandez admitted that their plan for the two-time NBA MVP didn’t really work out.
In a thrilling opener at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Canadian men’s basketball team secured a hard-fought victory over Greece, led by the stellar performance of All-Star point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The game was a tightly contested affair, with both teams showcasing their offensive prowess. Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder guard, set the tone early, scoring 8 points in the first quarter to help Canada jump out to a 26-22 lead. His backcourt partner, Luguentz Dort, also made his presence felt, providing a strong defensive presence and chipping in with timely baskets.
As the game progressed, the Greek team, led by Antetokounmpo, made a spirited comeback, cutting the deficit to just two points in the final minutes. However, Gilgeous-Alexander and Toronto Raptors’ RJ Barrett, combined to make crucial plays down the stretch, sealing an 86-79 victory for Canada.
Antetokounmpo finished the game with a game-high 34 points, but the balanced scoring and playmaking of the Canadian squad, particularly from Gilgeous-Alexander and Barrett, proved to be the difference. The win puts Canada in a strong position in Group A, setting the stage for an exciting journey towards the medal rounds.
Canada Head Coach Jordi Fernandez Says Giannis Antetokounmpo Plan For Olympics Didn’t Work
After the game, Fernandez shares his thoughts about how Canada performed against the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led team. In an article written by Aris Barkas for Eurohopps, he admitted that the plan they had for the Bucks All-Star didn’t really go according to plan.
“Considering the points he scored, our plan didn’t really work, he is one of the best players in the world”, said coach Jordi Fernandez however as his team got the “W” and that is what counts.
Just last season in the NBA, the Greek Freak averaged 30.4 points on 61 percent shooting from the field, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. His elite talent on both ends of the court has made him the best player Greece has fielded in their first-ever Olympic appearance in the men’s basketball category.
Even though their plan against Antetokounmpo didn’t really pan out, their performance toward the end of the game sealed a historic victory for Canada. With a lineup that boasts NBA talent, there’s no saying how far their team will go in the Olympics.
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