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Thanasis Antetokounmpo scores just 2 points, but Greece advances to 2nd round with a win over New Zealand

Thanasis got limited time on the court, but Greece still found a way to beat New Zealand.

Matthew Dugandzic

© Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
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Even without Giannis Antetokounmpo, there is no slowing down Greece in the 2023 FIBA World Cup in the Philippines.

Despite a meager two-point production of Thanasis Antetokounmpo, the Greek national managed to eke out a come-from-behind 83-74 win over New Zealand at the close of the first round of competition on Wednesday night (Philippine time).

The gallant win pushed Greece together with Team USA to the second round as it ended its first round campaign in Group C with two wins and one loss.

Limited minutes for Thanasis

Bothered by a discomfort on his left thigh, Thanasis played for just 13 minutes and finished with two points and two steals.

Thanasis underwent an MRI after feeling discomfort on his left thing in the team’s 81-109 loss to Team USA on Monday night.

Thanasis was a virtual non-factor in the match and didn’t play again after he was subbed out at the 5:30 mark of the third quarter. With Thanasis on the bench, Greece mounted a gigantic run in the fourth quarter to salvage the crucial victory. New Zealand closed the first half with a 43-32 lead before Greece woke up and dominated the second half.

A big test awaits Greece in 2nd round

Greece outscored New Zealand, 18-11, in the third and completed the comeback by staging a 33-20 run in the final period. Ioannis Papapetrou led the way for Greece with 27 points, while Giannoulis Larentzakis added 20 points.

Thanasis and Greece will be tested once again in the second round, where they bracketed in Group J together with Team USA, Lithuania, and Montenegro. Greece’s first game in the second round will be against the Jonas Valanciunas-led Lithuania.

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.