continue the coverage of Phoenix Suns Croatia, the 2022 FIBA EuroBasket representatives, scored the first seven points in their opening match against Greece, but many others did not fare well in the first half.Led by new Dallas Maverick two-way guard Tyler Dorsey 18 points in the first halfGreece went on a 46-23 run for the remainder of the first half to take a 46-30 half-time lead.
On an individual basis, Salik performed well in 1-on-1 situations defending Giannis. This includes his second foul on the Giannis half on this drive, on which Salik was charged.
He struggled to put together a lot to end the match scoreless, but he made a difference as a connector, including this assist from his cut-and-kick appearance.
But Boyan Bogdanovic Suns trading target reportedto some good examples, did not struggle offensively as he frequently dunked from half-court drives and patient drives with defenders on the hips.
Bogdanovic also showed off his isolation scoring prowess by holding off Euroleague legend Nick Carasses before hitting a tough fadeaway.
Croatia were 17 down with 5:30 left. But between two pairs of Jalene Smith’s 3s and a little help from his friends, Croatia cut the lead to just two with her 2:30 left in the frame. A 15-point run in just 3 minutes:
He had to work very hard for it, but Giannis was able to almost single-handedly extend the lead to eight by the end of the quarter.
Bogdanovic started scoring in the fourth and it was clear the final frame was going to be quite the show.
With the scoop and score, Smith added to stay on the sidelines.
However, at the end of the match, Croatia’s will and Giannis’ will will be at odds, and Suns fans can guess whose will won. Here’s the sequence for the entire game: Game time is about 80 seconds.
Notable stats:
Croatia:
- D. Saric: 0 points (0-1 2pts, 0-5 3pts, no FTA), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal in 21 minutes
- B. Bogdanovic: 19 points in 38 minutes (7-12 2P, 1-3 3P, 2-3 FT), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
- J. Smith: 23 points in 36 minutes (3-6 2P, 5-7 3P, 2-2 FT), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal
Greece:
- G. Antetokounmpo: 27 points (9-20 2P, 0-4 3P, 9-11 FT), 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks in 29 minutes
- T. Dorsey: 27 points (4-8 2P, 5-9 3P, 4-4 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals (29 minutes)
next:
No. 21 Croatia will try again for their first win on Saturday in less than 24 hours against Great Britain, ranked by FIBA as the 45th best team in the world. 5:15 AZ tip on ESPN+.
World No. 9 Greece will face group stage hosts Italy. Their game flips at noon on ESPN+.
