NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo shined on Thursday evening at the Spyros Kyprianou Arena in Limassol, carrying Greece to a 75-66 victory over a feisty Italy side during both teams’ first game for the FIBA EuroBasket 2025.
Italy was down by only 45-41 halfway through the third quarter, although Greece pulled away with an 11-3 spurt to go up 56-44.
Italy temporarily trimmed the gap to six points on NBAer Simone Fontecchio’s first points with four minutes to play. The scoreboard showed 71-66 with 49 seconds until time, before Antetokounmpo slammed a dunk with 31 seconds to end any comeback hopes.
The former NBA MVP and champion score 31 points, grabbed seven rebounds, made two assists and even had a steal to take MVP honors in a convincing performance against a tough Italian defense.
Greece faces hosts Cyprus in their second match.
Where’s that sniper friend of yours, @theoriginalpoz? 😅
Giannis Antetokounmpo at half-time:
14 PTS | 7/10 FG | 4 REB#EuroBasket | #MakeYourMark pic.twitter.com/wWOKWMq3Oi— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) August 28, 2025
MEET HIM AT THE RIM 😳#EuroBasket x @Italbasket pic.twitter.com/aM62tpn6c2
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) August 28, 2025
