Giannis and Doc Rivers speak on another early playoff exit for Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Doc Rivers speak on another early playoff exit for the Bucks following their Game 5 loss to the Pacers on April 29, 2025.
For the honor, the privilege and the obligation to play for his home country, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo once again cut short his summer offseason to suit up in the blue and white.
But this time his team, Greece, ran into a red-hot Turkey team in the FIBA EuroBasket semifinals on Sept. 12 in Arena Riga, Latvia.
Turkey prevailed in shocking fashion, 94-68, as Antetokounmpo was held to 12 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and committed four turnovers and an offensive charge.
Ercan Osmani (28 points), Cedi Osman (17) and Alperen Sengun (15) were just a few of the stars for Turkey, which earlier in the week reached the quarterfinals for the first time since 2009. It was Turkey’s defense that cut off passing lanes and played Antetokounmpo physical, putting a body – or three – on him always.
The Greece and Turkey rivalry goes back nearly 90 years, making it one of the oldest in European basketball, and Greece led the series 44–23 entering the semifinals.
Antetokounmpo has said in the past that it is very difficult to play international basketball, and he has always had stellar NBA seasons after playing competitive summer basketball.
Here are highlights from the game.
First quarter
Greece had a a rough start after Antetokounmpo’s pass was stolen and Turkey converted for a 12-3 lead. Four turnovers affected Greece early on.
The highlight for Greece: Kostas Antetokounmpo had a block and made basket, then a follow-up block on the other end to keep Greece alive.
But Turkey dominated, maintaining a 10- to 12-point lead throughout, including 26-16 at the end of the quarter.
Second quarter
Greece tried to figure out Turkey’s defense in this quarter but struggled even with the simple pick and roll. Early on, Greece had nine turnovers to Turkey’s one, some of that with Giannis Antetokounmpo resting on the bench, leading to Turkey’s 33-20 edge.
Antetokounmpo tried to get a rally going by hitting a turnaround baseline jumper but then missed a mid-range jumper and then traveled when he was facing a fortress wall of three defenders.
Turkey is a balanced team on both offense and defense and surged ahead to a 43-24 lead with 17 points off of Greece’s turnovers.
Third quarter
Thanasis Antetokounmpo checked in to give Greece a desperate boost on defense. Meanwhile, Giannis, finding no daylight in the dunker, send an outlet to Greece and the team finally hit a shot.
But trailing 57-34, things looked bleak for Greece.
Fourth quarter
Greece could not cut the lead any closer than 19. Kostas Antetokounmpo had to leave the court late in the game after his disqualifying second technical/unsportsmanlike foul.
Greece will face Finland in the third-place game at 9 a.m. CT Sunday. Turkey will play Germany for the championship at 1 p.m.