After a disastrous defeat to Brazil on Tuesday, Greece came into Thursday’s group F finale knowing that only a win against New Zealand would spare them the ignominy of a shock first round exit.
It certainly wasn’t easy as the Tall Blacks fought relentlessly right to the end, but ultimately it was mission accomplished in Nanjing as Greece prevailed with a 103-97 win to set up a second round matchup with the USA on Saturday, followed by a meeting with the Czech Republic on Monday.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had struggled to hit the level most had expected of him coming into the New Zealand game, but when it mattered most, the NBA MVP delivered a performance befitting that status.