The FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Piraeus, Greece has reached a fever pitch, with a semi-final matchup for the ages: Luka Doncic’s Slovenia versus Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greece. This Saturday, July 6th at 17:30 EEST, basketball fans will witness a first-ever international clash between these NBA titans.
Doncic, a five-time NBA All-Star and EuroBasket champion, has been nothing short of sensational in the tournament. His triple-double performances, averaging 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists per game, highlight his drive to lead Slovenia back to the Olympics after their historic debut in Tokyo 2020.
However, standing in his way is his childhood idol, Greek head coach Vasilis Spanoulis. A legend in his own right, Spanoulis, a two-time Olympian and Greece’s all-time leading scorer, recognizes the challenge Doncic presents.
“It’s not easy to stop Luka,” Spanoulis admitted. “Players like Luka and Giannis have a lot of ways to score… But for me, it’s not tennis. It’s not Luka vs Giannis. It’s a 5 against 5.”
Greece, fueled by a home crowd advantage and the return of their own superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo, are the favorites. Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP and champion, sat out the second game after a dominant 32-point performance in their opener. His presence on Saturday will undoubtedly electrify the arena.
This semi-final matchup transcends a typical basketball game. It’s a clash of styles, a battle of national pride, and a testament to the global reach of basketball.
Don’t miss this historic showdown – a true battle for Olympic glory.