Clutch Giannis Antetokounmpo fires Greece to win over Croatia / News - Basketnews.com

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Tyler Dorsey scored 27 points apiece to navigate Greece to a narrow win over star-studded Croatia.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Tyler Dorsey posted a new scoring high for the Greek NT, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered clutch plays, and Greece opened EuroBasket 2022 with a89-85 (24-16, 22-14, 24-32, 19-23) win over star-studded Croatia.

Player of the Game EFF 28 Giannis Antetokounmpo Points 27 Accuracy 9-24 Rebounds 11 Assists 6

It was Greece's 10th straight victory in a EuroBasket premiere.

Powered by Jaleen Smith and Krunoslav Simon, Croatia mounted yet another comeback and was 2 points behind (82-84) with 1:30 to play in the fourth.

However, Giannis blocked a crucial shot by Ivica Zubac and made a reverse alley-oop jam on the other end (86-82). And it was not the end. Giannis blocked one more shot and finished the game with a strong 2+1 play.

Even though Giannis Antetokounmpo did not have a perfect shooting night, the Greek Freak posted 27 points (9/20 2PT, 0/4 3PT, 9/11 FT), 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks, and 30 EFF.

Tyler Dorsey aided him with the same 27 points (4/8 2PT, 5/9 3PT, 4/4 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 27 EFF.

Dorsey scored 18 points in the first 13 minutes of the game. He connected 2 mid-range shots in 3 tries, poured in 4 threes in as many attempts, drained 2 free throws, and navigated Greece to a 34-21 lead in the second quarter.

Giannis Antetokounmpo took over the flag from his colleague and Greece had a record-breaking 19-point advantage (40-21). Both national teams were separated by 16 points (46-30) at halftime.

However, new period – new story. Croatia came back after the 15-minute break with double energy and increased intensity on both ends of the floor. Jaleen Smith, Krunoslav Simon, Ivica Zubac, and Bojan Bogdanovic organized a 15-0 push and reduced Croatia's deficit to just 2 points (60-62).

Nevertheless, Tyler Dorsey registered his new scoring high with Greece's jersey, draining another triple while Giannis added a couple of two-point buckets. Greece managed to stabilize its position and had plus 8 (70-62) before the last tally.

Greece: Giannis Antetokounmpo 27 (11 REB, 6 AST, 3 BLK), Tyler Dorsey 27 (5 REB), Dimitrios Agravanis 11.

Croatia: Jaleen Smith 23 (5 REB), Bojan Bogdanovic 19 (7 REB), Krunoslav Simon 18 (5 REB), Ivica Zubac 11 (5 REB), Mario Hezonja 10 (8 REB).

Giannis' performance:

Game highlights:

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