Germany defeated Greece 77-63 in the Olympic Men’s Basketball Quarterfinals thanks to a strong 18-point performance by Franz Wagner. The Germans defeated the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Greece team thanks to his three key steals and eight of his seventeen field goal attempts. Wagner addressed the press of the difficulty of controlling the Greek Freak following the game.
The German defense’s exclusive concentration on Antetokounmpo is not shocking.
Wagner outlined how the scouting report on the two-time NBA MVP adhered to him for every defensive cover. Press were informed by the German forward:
“Giannis was more than half of the scouting report. It takes all 5 on the court to stop him.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo and his impact
Greece jumped out to a 10-point lead at the half thanks to a 22-point performance by Antetokounmpo, who led all scorers. However, the Germans skillfully repelled the initial attack. They dominated the Greeks till the very end, tying the game at the end of the first half.
Franz Wagner on Germany beating Greece to reach first Olympic semis: “Giannis [Antetokounmpo] was more than half of the scouting report. It takes all 5 on the court to stop him… I was 7 when Dirk [Nowitzki] played in the Olympics. We’ve come a long way thanks to guys like him.” pic.twitter.com/eMXY6psYXn
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) August 6, 2024
Once more, Antetokounmpo was left mostly on his own. He was only able to accomplish so much on his own. Even though every German defender was watching him, he managed to pull off an excellent effort. In his remarks following the game, Wagner brought up the same topic.
When driving to the hoop, Antetokounmpo is the hardest player to stop. His high IQ around-the-rim offensive style combined with his ability to run the floor has plastered numerous NBA defenses. Since he is undoubtedly incapable of being stopped by a single cover, he frequently welcomes double and triple teams.
