Not with a "flying start", but still successfully the Greek national team began its participation in the World Basketball Championship. The team managed to defeat its Chinese opponent by 89-81, although there were crisis situations and stress. The absence of Fotsis and Shortsianitis on the field was sensible. Ultimately, however, this did not prove to be fatal as in their positions Kazlauskas placed Tsartsaris and Burusich. The two of them did everything in their power so that the first game on the course in Turkey to have a happy ending.
The game started with a strong game on the part of Greece. The team progressed rapidly in the score and during the fourth minute it "flew" with 17-8. The strong side of the Greek team tonight was definitely its offense. The same, however, could not be said about the defense. China of course took advantage of this fact and in the 10th minute it led the score to 25-18. Special contribution to reducing the difference had the player Yee Yanlyan.
In very good shape this evening were Nikos Zisis and Vassilis Spanoulis. With their help until the end of the second quarter of Greece scored 47 points and led the gap to 10 points. By the end of the game, however, the team never managed to advance by more than 10 points.
After the second quarter Greece showed more intense vigor on the floor. Its game was more dynamic and offensive, but the Chinese also did not give up. They showed that they are fully prepared to follow the rhythm of the opponent. So during the 32-minute China managed to decrease the difference to 66-65. At this dangerous moment an attack started Nikos Zisis. With three-point baskets, he managed to raise the difference to the "safer" 8 points. The Chinese, however, fought until the last moment and managed to turn the game into a real derby. Three minutes before the end of the game they decreased the difference to the stressful 2 points and the score was 79-81. The perspective of a fatal end of the game was what led the Greek team to stand up on its feet and show its real face. They proceeded to the final battle, which fought tooth and nail. In this dramatic conclusion Greece defeated the Chinese defense and with the points scored by Burusich and Spanoulis won the match.
The next game, which the Greek national team will play in Ankara is against the team of Puerto Rico. The meeting will take place on 29.08. and on the field due to a punishment imposed by FIBA Shortsianitis and Fotsis will be missing again.
Minutes: 25-18, 47-37, 65-61, 89-81
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