Jul 30, 2024; Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France; Greece small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts against Spain in a men’s basketball group stage match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports LILLE, France – Australia reached the Olympic men’s basketball quarterfinals despite losing 77-71 to Greece, while Canada and Germany finished group play 3-0 Friday.
Greece remained alive in Group A after Spain suffered a heartbreaking 88-85 defeat to Canada. Spain is out of contention for the knockout rounds.
Brazil beat Japan 102-84 to claim third place in Group B and secure a last-eight spot, while Germany beat second-place France 85-71 with both teams previously assured places in the knockout stage.
The top two from each group advance to the quarters, and the two best third-place teams go through on points difference. The United States – the defending champions – qualified for the last eight on Wednesday and go through as Group A winners.
Greece’s victory, which keeps them in the mix for a quarterfinal spot, came courtesy of Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was his usual prolific self, scoring 20 points to go with seven rebounds and six assists.
Antetokounmpo was helped by Dinos Mitoglou and Thomas Walkup, who finished with a combined 31 points.
Despite the defeat, the Australians secured second place in Group A and a ticket to the next round following Spain’s exit.
Captain Rudy Fernandez’s last game in his sixth Olympics was a must-win affair for Spain, but Canada was the better side.
In a dramatic finish, the Spaniards rallied in the final quarter thanks to Dario Brizuela, who scored 17 points, and the Hernangomez brothers, Juancho and Willy, who combined for 18.
But the deadly Canada attack was led by Oklahoma City Thunder powerhouse Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had 20 points and secured victory with a free throw two seconds from time.
“We know what the next round entails,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We know it will be a good team on the other end of it, no matter who it is. Nobody is to be taken lightly, but that’s why we came, to play the best in the world and try to beat them.”
Brazil’s win over Japan in the earlier Group B match was the result of a heroic performance from “Verde-Amarela” forward Bruno Caboclo, who scored 33 points and grabbed 17 rebounds. It guaranteed Brazil one of the best third-place spots.
“Every athlete wants to be here, at least one time. We were able to accomplish that … we have another goal — to go to the semi-finals,” Caboclo told reporters.
Greece will have to wait for the result of South Sudan’s clash with Serbia in Group C on Saturday, which will decide second and third place, to find out if they qualify for the quarterfinals as one of the best third-place teams.
The U.S. face last-place Puerto Rico on Saturday.
–Reuters, Special to Field Level Media
