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REPORT: Giannis Antetokounmpo sent in heartfelt messages to the club as he…
Giannis Antetokounmpo bursts into tears after Greece qualified for his first Olympics.
On Sunday, the Bucks star went all out on the court.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo couldn’t contain his excitement as the Greek national team booked its ticket to the Paris Olympics on Sunday.
Antetokounmpo has won practically every NBA title imaginable—an NBA championship in 2021, a Finals MVP, two league MVPs, a Defensive Player of the Year award, and eight All-Star selections—but now he will have the long-awaited opportunity to compete at the international level with his home country.
Antetokounmpo led Greece to an 80-69 victory over Croatia in the final of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament on Sunday, advancing the squad to its first Olympics since 2008. Antetokounmpo will make his Olympic debut.
Sunday’s victory meant everything to him. Postgame footage showed the Bucks star cradling his head in his hands and wiping away tears while his son appeared to comfort him on the court.
Antetokounmpo ended with 23 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in the win over Croatia, which came a day after he helped Greece overcome Luka Doncic and Slovenia by 28 points in the semifinals. He averaged 30.4 points and 11.5 rebounds per game in Milwaukee last season, but a calf strain forced him to miss the Bucks’ entire six-game playoff run.
Greece will compete in Group A with Australia, Canada, and Spain this summer. On July 27, they will play their first opening-stage game against Canada.
