Giannis Powers Greece to Crucial Victory in Olympic Basketball.

Giannis Antetokounmpo propelled Greece to a vital 77-71 win over Australia in Olympic men’s basketball, keeping their quarterfinal aspirations alive. Antetokounmpo dominated with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Thomas Walkup added 18 points. Jock Landale led Australia with 17 points.

Greece, initially winless in Group A, faced a do-or-die scenario, requiring a 10-point win and a Canada victory over Spain to advance. Although they secured third place with a six-point win and Canada’s subsequent victory, their progression remains uncertain.

Australia staged a thrilling comeback, cutting a 19-point deficit to two points (71-69) with under three minutes left, courtesy of Patty Mills’ pull-up jumper. However, a crucial turning point came when Mills drew an offensive foul on Antetokounmpo, but Australia turned the ball over on the ensuing possession. Antetokounmpo capitalized, finding Vasilis Toliopoulos for a three-pointer that restored Greece’s five-point lead. Thomas Walkup later extended the margin to seven (77-70) with a three-pointer.