PARIS (France) - The highly anticipated quarter-final matchup between powerhouses Germany and Greece promises to be a thrilling encounter in the 2024 Paris Olympic basketball tournament.
While the temptation is to focus solely on the individual brilliance of Greek superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, this clash will ultimately be decided by the collective efforts of both teams.
Germany, the reigning world champions, have made a statement in Paris so far, blowing away hosts France to finish the group stage undefeated. Led by the dynamic Dennis Schroder, the Germans have showcased their well-rounded team play and offensive firepower, averaging a tournament-high 89.3 points per game. Their ability to protect the ball, committing a tournament-low 10.0 turnovers per contest, could prove crucial against the Greeks.
On the other side, Greece have relied heavily on the heroics of Antetokounmpo, who has been nothing short of sensational in his Olympic debut. However, the supporting cast must step up if Greece are to pull off the upset. Starters Kostas Papanikolaou, Dinos Mitoglou, and Thomas Walkup will be tasked with providing consistent scoring and playmaking to complement their superstar teammate.
The key matchup will be between German center Daniel Theis and the unstoppable Antetokounmpo. Theis, who has faced off against the Greek phenom in the NBA, will have the unenviable job of trying to slow down the former MVP. Germany's ability to provide timely help and run waves of defenders at Antetokounmpo could be the difference-maker.
Ultimately, this quarter-final clash will be a battle of contrasting styles. Germany's balanced, high-octane offense against Greece's reliance on Antetokounmpo's individual brilliance. The rest of the Greek roster must rise to the occasion if they are to make history and reach the semi-finals of the Olympics for the first time. It promises to be a captivating encounter with a place in the final four on the line.
Past matchups
Greece holds a 12-8 all-time advantage over Germany overall including an 87-64 win in the group stage at the 2008 Olympics. Starting with their victory over Germany in the Final of the FIBA EuroBasket 2005, Greece had won five straight games before Germany defeated the Greeks 107-96 in the Quarter-Finals of the FIBA EuroBasket 2022.