Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo inspires Greece to first Olympics in 16 years

Giannis Antetokounmpo inspired Greece to its first Olympic Games in 16 years with a stellar performance in its 80-69 win over Croatia in the FIBA ​​qualifying tournament.

A spot in Paris was on the line Sunday, and the Milwaukee Bucks star stepped up his game by scoring 23 points to secure his first Olympic berth this summer.

Greece have not competed at the Olympics since Beijing 2008, where they were knocked out by Argentina in the quarter-finals.

Antetokounmpo believes the Olympics are where the world’s best athletes compete.

“The best athletes in the world compete in the Olympic Games,” he said.

“We have nothing to lose.

“I really believe we have an incredible team and we can accomplish something special.”

The two teams were tied at the end of the first quarter, but then Greece started to show its class.

By the end of the third quarter they were 13 points ahead and Greece kept their composure under immense pressure in the fourth quarter to wrap up the victory.

“It’s very nice to qualify because it’s the first step,” he added.

“At the Olympics, we’re looking to do something really good.”

Greece will participate in Group A of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris alongside Australia, Canada and Spain.