Giannis Antetokounmpo leads Greece to bronze at EuroBasket: “Biggest achievement”

Giannis Antetokounmpo leads Greece to bronze at EuroBasket

In an exciting EuroBasket bronze medal match, Giannis Antetokounmpo shone with 30 points and 17 rebounds, guiding Greece to a 92-89 victory over Finland. This triumph marks Greece’s return to the EuroBasket podium since 2009, when they also obtained the bronze.

We did it. This is probably one of the biggest achievements I have accomplished as an athlete. I know I’ve won an NBA championship, but there’s no feeling like representing your national team and 12 million people who breathe and live for this national team. This is probably the biggest achievement so far in my life.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Antetokounmpo’s performance, star of the Milwaukee Bucks and NBA champion, was fundamental in securing the Greek victory.

This is the sixth time Greece has been on the EuroBasket podium, with two golds, one silver and three bronzes. From Finland, Lauri Markkanen, a player for the Utah Jazz, contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds. Greece, which led the scoreboard throughout the match and had a 17-point lead, saw Finland close in during the final minutes. Elias Valtonen had the chance to tie the game with three free throws with five seconds left, but missed the last one. Antetokounmpo secured the Greek victory by controlling the rebound and scoring two free throws. Greece had been defeated by Turkey in the semi-finals, while Germany defeated Finland. Germany defeated Turkey in the gold medal match.