Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Greece side defeat Slovenia despite Luka Doncic masterclass

This would have been a great matchup if Giannis were available. An Antetokounmpo vs. Doncic battle would have been quite a treat, but unfortunately, the Bucks talisman is still recovering from offseason surgery on his knee.

For his part, however, Doncic did not disappoint. He finished the game with a trademark triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists. It was all for nothing, though, as a red-hot Kostas Papanikolaou led Greece to a comeback win by hitting all six of his attempts from beyond the arc.

This was the first tune-up game for both sides as they prepare for the upcoming FIBA World Cup in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, which tips off on August 25.

Greece still waiting for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s World Cup decision

Greece did well without their star player, but they will still need Giannis Antetokunmpo to be ready for the prestigious tournament if they want to keep their medal hopes alive. The Bucks star underwent a clean-up procedure in his knee after the previous season ended, and he has not been given the green light to suit up for the national squad just yet.

Greece head coach Dimitris Itoudis stated earlier this week that Giannis is going to make a decision on his final status soon, but until then, the whole Greek nation will need to hold their collective breath.