Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to give a dominant performance in the Olympics. However, his efforts fell short against the Spanish team, which was just as desperate to win a place in the men’s basketball knockout round. Both teams came into the matchup essentially fighting for their lives after sustaining losses in previous games. For his part, the Bucks superstar scored 27 points and 11 rebounds but missed a crucial game-tying triple late in the match.

And just like that, Spain pulled off an 84-77 victory. While it was good news for them, Antetokounmpo and Co. found themselves in hot water. Boiling hot! They are in a do-or-die situation as they prepare for the last chance to advance to the Olympics playoffs against Australia. After all, they represent the hopes of 10 million Greeks!

Despite the overwhelming pressure and the obvious odds against Greece, Giannis seems to have a positive outlook. Taking to X ahead of the matchup, the ‘Greek Freak’ tweeted, “Friday, we go again 💪🏾🧿 #Paris2024 “

Well, in a sort of roundabout way, Greece does have a chance. As mentioned above, they are facing the second-placed team in Group A standing, the Boomers. And the critical aspect here is none other than the point difference. Greece now holds a 0-2 record with a negative point differential of -14. The straightforward path is to win with a +10 score. It will easily put them in second place.

However, it doesn’t end there.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co.’s fate rests in the hands of the Spaniards

If the scenario as mentioned earlier is to take place, Canada will have to defeat Spain. And why is that? Spain, right now, ranks third with a -5 point difference and a 1-1 record. If Greece seals the deal with the bare necessities, that is, by say, two points or so, and Spain loses, the Hellas wouldn’t see much success. That’s simply because of their -5-point difference (courtesy of the three-way tie).

But if Antetokounmpo and his team were to win by three to nine points and Spain lost, they would rank third. However, they would have to wait for other third-placed teams in the other two groups to see if their point difference was better. A risky move, but it’s the closest they could get to a victory without the direct +10 point difference.

Of course, Giannis Antetokounmpo and his Hellas can still progress as the third-placed team if, by some unforeseen circumstance, Spain defeats Team Canada. Of course, among the teams in Group A, the Canadians continue their dominance with a flawless 2-0 record and a +17 point difference. So, the chances of Spain beating the star-studded roster of Team Canada are unlikely.

What do you think of the whole situation? Can Greece continue its journey or will they have an early exit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.