FIBA WC: Brazil head coach takes shot at Greece’s Antetokounmpo
Brazil pulled off a stunning 79-78 win over world no. 8-ranked Greece in the group stages of the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Nanjing, China, giving head coach Aleksandar Petrovic to throw some shade directed to Giannis Antetokounmpo.
NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounnpo finished with 13 points but fouled out late in the fourth quarter for Greece.
Brazil’s Alex Garcia, 39, seemed to stifle Antetokounmpo at every turn.
“Why this sport is wonderful,” Brazil coach Aleksandar Petrovic said. “You have a guy who won MVP, he’s 23 years old, and who stops him tonight? The guy who is 40 years old and kicks his ass.”
The reigning NBA MVP was only 3/7 from the floor and had 3 turnovers in over 28 minutes of play.
Petrovic also added that the South Americans had many weapons to stop Antetokounmpo.
Because of the win, Brazil advanced to the 2nd round of the World Cup, while Greece’s fortunes still hang in the balance as they have to beat New Zealand.
Anderson Varejao led Brazil with his 22 points on 10/17 shooting and 9 rebounds. Marquinhos Sousa had 15 while Leandro Barbosa and Alex Garcia both added 13 markers.
(FIBA.basketball photo)
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