PARIS – In a gut-wrenching Olympic quarter-final, Greece’s valiant effort fell short as Germany staged a stunning comeback, winning 76-63 and securing their first-ever semi-final appearance in Olympic history. The loss, while devastating for Greek fans, highlighted the team’s fighting spirit and set the stage for a thrilling finish to the tournament.
GERMANY 🇩🇪 ARE THE FIRST SEMI-FINALISTS! 🌟#Paris2024 x #Basketball pic.twitter.com/SvswJitwfM
— FIBA (@FIBA) August 6, 2024
Greece came out of the gates firing on all cylinders, dominating the paint and building a 12-point lead early on. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece’s talismanic leader, was at the heart of this early surge, showcasing his unmatched athleticism and skill.
However, Germany, living up to their “Die Mannschaft” (The Team) reputation, refused to back down. Coach Gordon Herbert’s halftime adjustments proved pivotal, as Germany’s defense stifled Greece’s inside game. The second quarter saw Greece held to a mere six points in the paint, allowing Germany to claw their way back into the game.
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo's #Paris2024 campaign:
— FIBA (@FIBA) August 6, 2024
🔹 25.8 PTS (#1 in the tournament)
🔹 6.3 REB
🔹 3.5 AST
🔹 67.8% FG
Farewell in the quarter-finals. #Basketball pic.twitter.com/0GrL3cADWT
The second half was a nail-biting affair, with both teams trading blows. The turning point came in the final minutes, with the score tied at 50-50. Dennis Schroder, Germany’s tenacious point guard, drew a crucial charge on Antetokounmpo,sending the Greek superstar to the bench with his third foul.
Germany capitalized on Antetokounmpo’s absence, embarking on a 9-2 run to take a 59-52 lead into the final quarter.Despite Greece’s valiant efforts in the fourth, they couldn’t overcome the deficit. Germany, riding the wave of momentum,held on to secure the historic victory.
While the loss is undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow for Greece, their performance throughout the tournament deserves immense praise. Coach Vassilis Spanoulis, in his post-game comments, expressed his pride in the team’s resilience and fighting spirit.
“We competed with four elite teams of global basketball, and we looked each of them straight in the eyes,” he said, highlighting the team’s unwavering determination.
Antetokounmpo, who finished with 22 points, echoed his coach’s sentiments.
“We played hard, we played incredible defense,” he said, emphasizing the team’s never-say-die attitude.
For Germany, the win is a testament to their remarkable teamwork and resilience. Franz Wagner’s offensive brilliance and Schroder’s defensive heroics were crucial in securing the victory. The team’s chemistry and never-give-up attitude were on full display, setting the stage for a thrilling semi-final clash.
While Greece’s Olympic journey may have come to an end, they leave Paris with their heads held high. Their performance has ignited hope for a bright future, and fans can’t wait to see what this talented team achieves in the years to come.
The game began with Greece asserting dominance in the paint, catching Germany off guard and racing to a 12-point lead. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece’s star player, was instrumental in this early surge, showcasing his athleticism and skill.
12 Responses
Tough break for Greece, but Germany really pulled through. Didn’t see that comeback!
I was rooting for Greece because of Giannis, but congrats to Germany. They must have played incredibly well to come back from a 12-point deficit.
Giannis is unstoppable but basketball is a team sport. Germany’s depth must’ve been key. Would love to see the stats on bench points.
Bench points and turnovers were indeed pivotal. Germany’s bench outscored Greece’s significantly.
anyone got the exact stats?
Guess it’s time to release a ‘Comeback’ edition for Germany’s team sneaker.
That game was a rollercoaster! Props to both teams, especially Germany. Their fighting spirit is inspiring!
Sports are like comics, always full of surprises! Congrats Germany!
Germany stepping into the semis is huge for them. It’s about the right mix of strategy and talent. Alice, any insight on their prep?
It’s remarkable how a single game can elevate a team’s status on such a big stage.
Always love an underdog story. Well played, Germany!
What strikes me most is the psychological resilience of Germany. Coming back from a deficit in such a crucial game requires more than just physical skill.