FIBA World Cup 2019: Giannis' Greece dumped out despite victory
NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo fouled out as Greece were eliminated from the FIBA World Cup despite an 84-77 win over Czech Republic.
Greece needed a 12-point margin of victory to keep alive their hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals, but their star man was unable to lead the way.
The Czechs led at half-time and, despite a strong third quarter from Greece, their hopes were dashed in the final reckoning as Antetokounmpo was forced out of the game after being pinged for a contentious charge.
The Milwaukee Bucks talisman had made consecutive double-doubles in his past two games, including against the United States, but he was not as impressive on Monday.
Antetokounmpo, who fouled out with five and half minutes remaining, ended with 12 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for the 24-year-old and his team, who were 65-53 up when he came back into the game during the fourth quarter.
Meanwhile, Czech Republic needed the USA to beat Brazil to ensure they make the knockout phase.
.@HellenicBF win, but not by enough, as @ceskybasketbal will stay ahead of them in-case of a 3-way tie!
— Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWC) September 9, 2019
The Czechs now need a @usabasketball victory over @basquetebrasil and they are in the Quarter-Finals. #CZEGRE pic.twitter.com/j832mOZoMF