France suffered more, and Spain maintained its chances of qualifying for the next stage of the most important tournament.
The third day of men’s basketball at the Olympic Games has begun, promising four great matches. On this day, qualification to the next stage for a select few teams, and the possibility of elimination for some, is being debated.
The Iberians achieved the first victory in this edition of the Olympic Games
Spain defeated Greece 84-77 in the second match the two played, and with the loss, the Hellenic team was in danger of elimination. A series of results must happen for those led by Giannis Antetokounmpo to achieve a three-way tie in Group A, but they still have a match against one of the best teams, Australia.
The Iberians were left with a solid victory, in which they overcame an eight-point deficit and from the second quarter, they dominated Greece without a problem. Santi Aldama once again became a Spanish figure and contributed to his country with 19 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks and two assists. Sergio Llull was La Familia’s second sword with 13 points, seven assists and three boards.
Greece had its leader who always played, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who added 27 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Milwaukee Bucks’ franchise player came within a game-tying three-pointer in the final seconds of the fourth quarter, but missed. Spain is better from the collective game and the defense of the Greeks is not a figure, so the contribution of only one is not enough.
The Americans are on the brink of qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games
Canada defeated Australia 93-83 and with its second consecutive Olympic Games victory, it is positioned as the leader in Group A and has the possibility of making it to the next stage. The game was very close and until the middle of the third period the Canucks were able to take the lead and be consistent in the game to keep the score. Both have very strong defense and put pressure on each other all over the court.
Toronto Raptors player RJ Barrett was the Canadian figure and contributed to his team with 24 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took the reins of the team from the middle of the court and added 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks.
In Australia, Jock Landale hit the mark again with a double double. The Houston Rockets player had 16 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. However, the Boomers’ top scorer was Josh Giddey with 19 goals, he also contributed seven boards and six assists. The Oceanians managed to fight as equals until the second half, but could not get the victory.
The local team fought to the last against the Japanese and took it to extra time
France won against Japan 94-90 in a very tight match where the Asians made the locals harder than expected. The Japanese played perfectly, but the hierarchy of the Europeans was higher and they could not win the match or the two points. The French have won both matches they have played and are in a good position, with the possibility of qualifying for the quarterfinals.
Victor Wembayama was the standout among the winners by adding his team with a double double and he was also the top scorer. The San Antonio Spurs center had 18 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. He was supported by Matthew Strazel with 17 points converted and by Rudy Gobert who contributed from rebounds, where he got 15 boards.
Japan managed to match this French team positioned as one of the best in the tournament with Yuki Kawamura. The Nippon guard took everything back and made 29 points, seven rebounds, six assists and one steal. The second sword of the Asians is the basketball player belonging to the Los Angeles Lakers squad, Rui Hachimura, who contributed 24 points and three rebounds.
France secured the win in overtime, the first in the men’s division at this edition of the Olympic Games, after leveling at 84 at the end of 40 regulation minutes on Strazel’s 3+1. Japan managed to win it with a three-pointer taken by Kawamura, but he failed to make it and they stretched the game to overtime where the locals took the win by four points.
Brazil tried, but failed to overcome the world champion
Germany defeated Brazil 86-73 and is positioned as one of the candidates for qualification in Group B thanks to its two victories. La Verdeamarela tried to play on an equal footing with the current world champions, sometimes they succeeded, but they were not consistent and Águilas won the match.
The standout at the Europeans was World Cup MVP Dennis Schröder, who added 20 points, six assists, four steals and three rebounds. The Brooklyn Nets point guard was joined in scoring by Franz Wagner with 17 points, Isaac Bonga with 15 and Andreas Obst with 14.
Brazil managed to tie the score at halftime with a great second quarter. But the early dismissal of his figure, Bruno Caboclo in the third quarter, was one of the reasons that led to the collapse. Nor should we take credit away from the German defense, which was unfortunate and caused losses to the Canarian offensive.
Yago Santos had to shoulder the team, where he contributed 18 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals. Vitor Benite scored 17 points and this is the second card used by Alexandar Petrovic, coach of Brazil.
However, it was Germany’s third period that separated them from the South Americans again and with a quick offensive, they condemned Brazil to go out with one leg at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Source: Tycsports
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