NBA
Giannis, Greece Hand Len, Ukraine First EuroBasket Loss
Sep 6, 2022, 10:13 AM
(Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
(Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Entering play on Tuesday morning, both Greece and Ukraine were in possession of perfect 3-0 records as the teams sat in a tie atop the EuroBasket 2022 Group C standings.
Then Giannis Antetokounmpo happened.
The two-time NBA MVP exploded for 41 points (13-of-18 shooting from the field) and nine rebounds to help lead Greece’s comeback win over Ukraine by a final of 99-79 in Milan, Italy.
27 PTS IN 20 MINS.
Inevitable mode activated.#EuroBasket x #BringTheNoise
📺 https://t.co/XA74VljBO4 pic.twitter.com/uCshUWvKUw
— #EuroBasket 2022 (@EuroBasket) September 6, 2022
Sacramento Kings center Alex Len followed up his three-point, 11-rebound performance during Monday’s win over Italy to score 10 points on four-of-seven shooting from the field and two-of-four from beyond the three-point arc. The seven-footer pulled down eight rebounds and blocked one shot over 26 minutes of playing time.
Although Antetokounmpo and Greece ran away with things late, that wasn’t the entire game story on Tuesday.
After a strong second quarter in which they outscored Greece 26-16, Ukraine opened up the second half swinging. Len and his team held a 49-43 lead with 7:37 remaining in the third quarter, setting the stage for a memorable upset over Antetokounmpo and the undefeated Greeks.
However, Ukraine’s magic would run out as Greece went on to outscore its opponent 56-30 over the final seventeen minutes of play.
Although Greece put an end to Ukraine’s undefeated run during EuroBasket, it isn’t all bad for Len and his squad as they have officially punched their tickets to the round of 16.
Ukraine (3-1) will be back in action on Thursday at 5:15 am PST as they look to finish strong against Croatia before setting their sights on the round of 16 this weekend.
Current Group C standings
- Greece (4-0)**
- Ukraine (3-1)**
- Croatia (2-1)
- Estonia (1-3)
- Italy (1-2)
- Great Britain (0-4)
** team has advanced to the round of 16
Sactown Sports 1140 will be covering Sacramento Kings centers Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania) and Alex Len (Ukraine)’s EuroBasket performances over the next two weeks! Be sure to continue to stay locked in on all of our social media channels and SactownSports.com
