Men’s Olympic Basketball Match Report: Giannis++ Landale+ Greece Defeats Australia for the First Victory

On August 2, in the ongoing Group Stage of the Paris Olympics men’s basketball tournament, the Australian men’s basketball team faced off against the Greek men’s basketball team.

In the opening quarter, Giannis scored first from the low post, followed by Landale’s response. Kallasis sank a three-pointer, while Vokaup also contributed with a three-point shot, allowing Greece to take an early lead of 8-2. Daniels stopped the bleeding with a basket inside, and Landale added a layup, with Mills contributing a three-pointer. Giannis continued to score points aggressively, helping Greece maintain their composure. Landale added another basket inside, while Mills sank another three-pointer, keeping Australia within reach. Vokaup’s jump shot was answered by one from McVeigh, with Mills making a breakaway basket. The score was tied at 19-21. Vokaup’s jump shot was matched by another from McVeigh, as both teams frequently went to the foul line. Gid’s three consecutive free throws ended the first quarter with Australia trailing 24-25.

In the second quarter, Greece regained their rhythm, scoring continuously from inside the paint. Australia suffered a series of turnovers, with Giannis capitalizing on fast breaks. Vokaup added another three-pointer, leading to a 14-0 run, increasing Greece’s lead to 39-24. Ke made a mid-range jumper to break the drought, and Landale added a layup, stabilizing Australia’s position. Both teams experienced a period of offensive stagnation, with Giannis executing a dunk to break the deadlock. Greece maintained their dominance, despite Ekström’s inside-outside play contributing 5 points. However, his defensive efforts were not enough to limit the Greek offense, as Mitoglou scored inside, and Giannis scored off a breakaway. The score stood at 50-33. Daniels scored two points plus one free throw to break the drought, but the team struggled offensively overall. At halftime, Greece led Australia 53-36.

Entering the third quarter, Greece’s offensive prowess remained impressive. Despite Australia’s initial struggles, Gid finally scored to break the drought, and Vokaup responded with a breakaway basket. Gid’s three-pointer helped stabilize the situation, while Mitoglou’s jump shot kept Greece’s lead intact. Both teams’ offenses became stagnant, but Gid’s breakaway basket broke the deadlock. Greece maintained their advantage, with Toliosopoulos scoring off a layup, and Magni contributing with a fast break. Mills added another three-pointer, and Australia continued to narrow the gap under high-pressure defense. With 3 minutes left in the game, both teams entered a decisive phase. Mills committed a foul on Giannis during an offensive play, but his subsequent shot missed. Greece retaliated with a three-pointer, bringing the game to its final minute. Vokaup’s corner three-pointer sealed the victory! Ultimately, Greece defeated Australia 77-71 to secure their first win in the group stage!

Player Statistics

Australia: Landale – 17 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals; Mills – 13 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist; Daniels – 11 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal; Gid – 9 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists; Ekström – 6 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists; Ke – 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal; Dravido – 3 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Magni – 3 points, 2 rebounds; McVeigh – 3 points, 1 rebound; Nicks – 1 rebound;

Greece: Antetokounmpo – 20 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals; Vokaup – 18 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; Mitoglou – 13 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Toliosopoulos – 13 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Kallasis – 7 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists; Chalaranopoulos – 3 points, 2 rebounds; Papanygou – 2 points, 7 rebounds; Papinikolaou – 1 point, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals; Kalietzakis – 1 assist, 3 steals;

Player Rosters

Australia’s starting lineup: Daniels, Gid, Mills, Landale, Nick-Kay

Greece’s starting lineup: Vokaup, Kallasis, Papinikolaou, Mitoglou, Antetokounmpo