Greece coach Vassilis Spanoulis expressed frustration with the officiating after his team’s Group C clash against Spain.
Speaking in Cyprus, he highlighted disparities in free-throw opportunities for Giannis Antetokounmpo compared to other EuroBasket stars. “One more time, I have seen a lot of difference in the number of free throws. I have to see the game again. In such a game, one team can’t have 37 attempts and the other 19,” Spanoulis said, via Eurohoops, referencing games for Luka Doncic and others.
Spanoulis argued Giannis deserved more calls and unsportsmanlike fouls. “Just 12 free throws are few for Giannis; he could have had another 10 for sure. If we face Luka, Jokic, and Sengun, Markkanen, like this, we have to face Giannis the same way.”
Antetokounmpo delivered a near triple-double against Spain with 25 points, 14 rebounds, and 9 assists, yet drew only 12 free-throw attempts. His performance helped Greece secure a 90–86 victory, topping Group C with a 4–1 record.
Over the group stage, Giannis averaged 27.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, with 69.6 percent field-goal accuracy and 62.1 percent on free throws on 9.7 free-throw attempts per game.
Greece built an early lead behind Tyler Dorsey, who scored 22 points with six triples, and Kostas Sloukas, who added 12 points and 6 assists. Spain rallied late but could not overcome Giannis’ decisive baskets in the fourth quarter.
The win eliminated Spain from EuroBasket 2025 for the first time since 1977 and allowed Georgia to advance by virtue of head-to-head results.
Spanoulis praised his team’s first-half execution but remained firm on officiating concerns. “We have to be fair with myself and the game, and to say the truth,” he added.
Greece will now advance to the knockout stage in Riga as the top seed from Group C, with Giannis positioned as the central figure for upcoming elimination games.
Greece faces Israel in the Round of 16 on September 7, aiming to maintain momentum and capitalize on Giannis’ leadership.
