Giannis Antetokounmpo Sidelined as Greece Faces Tough EuroBasket Challenge
Greece’s EuroBasket 2025 campaign hit a bump as star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was sidelined due to knee discomfort.
Giannis’s knee discomfort resulted in him missing a critical group stage game against Bosnia and Herzegovina. His absence contributed to Greece suffering its first loss in the tournament, raising concerns about the team’s prospects going forward.
Giannis’s Injury and Impact
The Milwaukee Bucks superstar, already having delivered dominant performances earlier in the tournament—including 31 points against Italy and 27 points upon his return against Georgia—was ruled out as a precaution to manage knee soreness.
Greece’s official injury report confirmed he would not play against Bosnia and Herzegovina, although details about the injury’s severity remain limited. The decision appeared aimed at preserving his health for the knockout rounds, for which Greece had already secured qualification.
Without Giannis on the floor, Greece’s dynamic were disrupted, and Bosnia capitalized on the opportunity. Led by Jusuf Nurkić’s double-double, Bosnia and Herzegovina edged out Greece 80-77 in a tightly contested match.
Greece, traditionally a defensive powerhouse, struggled to maintain its usual rhythm, showing vulnerability in both offense and defense.
Greece’s Path Forward
Despite the setback, Greece remains strong in Group C, holding a 3-1 record and poised to advance deeper into EuroBasket 2025.
The absence of Giannis for select group games highlights the Greek coaching staff’s cautious approach to managing their star player’s minutes encumbered by injury.
Veterans like Kostas and Thanasis Antetokounmpo, along with seasoned leaders such as Vassilis Spanoulis, are expected to shoulder more responsibility in his absence.
With the knockout phase approaching, Greek basketball hopes to rebound quickly. Giannis is anticipated to return to action against Spain, a crucial game that will test Greece’s resilience and championship aspirations.
The Greek national team’s ability to adapt and overcome the challenges posed by Giannis’s injury will be central to their quest for another EuroBasket title as the tournament progresses toward its climactic stages.
