Greece Beats France 66-67

[George O'Brien]

Eurobasket

24 September 2005
Greece Wins Thriller on Diamantidis Three-Pointer in Final Seconds
A three-pointer by Dimitrios Diamantidis three seconds from the end set off a thunderous celebration in the Belgrade Arena on Saturday night as the Greeks fought back from a seven-point deficit in the final minute to stun France 67-66 and advance to the gold medal game.

France, closing in on appearance in the title game for the first time in six decades, self-destructed as both Tony Parker and captain Antoine Rigaudeau missed important free throws to leave the door open for a Greek comeback.

After Rigaudeau made just one of two from the line with 11 seconds remaining, Greece inbounded the ball to Nikos Zisis who raced up the floor and towards the basket before kicking the ball out to Diamantidis who never hesitated when releasing his left-handed shot which hit the bottom of the net.

France gave the ball to Rigaudeau who dribbled to midcourt and attempted to launch a desperation shot but guarded by Greece players, he was called for traveling as time expired setting off a joyous celebration from Greek players and thousands of their fans in attendance.

PHOTO CAPTION: Antoine Rigaudeau made some costly errors down the stretch

“Thank God,” said Diamantidis after his heroics. “I wasn't thinking about anything when I shot it. Nothing.”

“There are no words to describe what Dimitrios did – he is amazing,” said Nikolaos Zisis, who scored 11 points, including three big free throws with 40 seconds remaining that allowed Greece to stay close and cut the French lead to 62-58.

Greece, who famously won gold in 1987 and then silver in 1989, are back in the title game and will face the winner of Spain´s semi-final with Germany.

“This is basketball,” said Greece´s team captain Michail Kakiouzis. “We never stopped fighting and always believed in oursleves and then got a little luck in the end.”

Parker was brilliant in the first half and led all scorers with 20 points, while center Lazaros Papadopolous had 15 for Greece and Dimosthenis Ntikoudis finished with 14.

France seemed to be cruising towards their first EuroBasket medal game appearance since 1935 after Parker drained a three-pointer with 1:12 reamining to give the French a 58-51 advantage in a game that was neck-and neck throughout. But Parker clanked a pair of free throws with 38 seconds to go and commited a turnover eight seconds later.

Papadopoulos´ dunk with 26 seconds to go cut the deficit to two at 62-60. Parker was fouled a second later and this time the San Antonio Spurs point guard hit both. Papaloukas scored again down low and Rigadeau connected on one of two as the French still maintained a 65-62 lead.

Papaloukas was fouled with 13 seconds to go and hit both and then fouled Rigadeau with 11 seconds, setting the stage Diamantidis to be an unlikely Greek hero.

The three for Diamantidis was his seventh point of the game and the 25-year old entered play averaging six a game.

For the third consecutive game, French coach Claude Bergeaud elected to keep Tony Parker on the bench and Greece jumped out to a 7-2 lead to start the game and led 16-14 after one.

Parker entered the game with 3:39 to go in the first and played solidly, scoring 13 in the opening half.

The first half was a defenensive struggle as the teams exchanged leads with no team having an advantage of more than five points.

Parker's three-pointer as time expired in the second quarter gave France a 30-29 halftime lead. France led despite 2-of-10 shooting from three-point range and 12 turnovers.

The trend continued in the third as France and Greede stayed neck-and-neck with no team leading by more than three for the entire quarter and France clinging to a 45-44 advantage.

With Parker taking a fourth quarter breather, Greece took a 47-46 lead on a three by Nikolaos Chatzivrettas in the opening minutes of the quarter. Parker returned and France went on a 9-2 run to open a 55-49 lead with 2:26 remaining before the final dramatic minutes unfolded.

France will try to win their first bronze since 1959 when they take on the loser of the Germany-Spain match-up.

Box Score

Diaw scored 14 points on 4 of 9, but did go 2 of 4 for three. He also had 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and a block. Perker was the only French player who scored in double digits.

Greece has a very good team and their experience playing together really shwed in the turnover stats: 21 by France compared to 10 for Greece. Boris was charged with 5 turnovers, but it is not clear if they were all his fault.

 

[PakistaniRambo]

freaking parker is such a choker

 

[George O'Brien]

Here is post from another board by someone who wrote this whille watching the game.

Yeah they are showing this on NBA TV. He (Diaw) looks amazing. Better than Parker and Pietrus right now. I hope the Suns finally can get it out of this kid. He has more potential than Joe Johnson even. But he's much farther away from realizing. But it's not impossible. And France is using Parker as a scoring guard off of Diaw...similiar to what Phoenix can do with Barbosa now with Diaw on the floor. Diaw could also open up Barbosa's game finally.

 

[devilalum]

At least Diaw can get his butt over here and start working out at AWA.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Here is post from another board by someone who wrote this whille watching the game.

Was that a Suns board you got that from George because if that is an unbias opinion,I am stoked!

Training camp is like a week and a half away!

Hopefully the Cards can give me something to cheer about while I bide my time....

 

[George O'Brien]

Obviously he's a Suns fan, but I still though it interesting.

In any case, France plays Spain for the Bronze meda later todayl. Germany faces Greece for the Gold.

 

[reader]

Apparently Boris has a nickname, Bobo. Title says, Bobo wins over D'Antoni

This article is in French, as you can no doubt see. I have never attempted to translate an article, (even one this short, oui, 7 years of French), so I am providing only the salient points. Maybe Ollie can provide a real translation.

The part I found most interesting was where D'Antoni says that Diaw can play the either the 2, 3 or 4 and can play in the big and small lineups, they like his versatility. No mention of playing point guard. He also goes on to say that Boris has to work on his shot and that they also like his temperment, talent and personality. If he continues to play like this, he will get lots of time with the Suns.

http://www.basketusa.com/asp/mai_home/hom_bus.asp

Bobo a conquis D'Antoni 23 Septembre 2005

You must be registered for see images

You must be registered for see images

La NBA en stand-by, tous les yeux sont rivés sur l'Euro 2005 et c'est une bonne chose puisque la France reste sur deux exploits (victoires face au champion du Monde, puis face au Champion d'Europe) et qu'un certain Boris Diaw a pris une nouvelle dimension.
Meilleur marqueur, passeur et contreur des Bleus, le nouvel ailier des Suns crève l'écran (18 pts, 11 rbds hier) et dans les tribunes, un certain Mike d'Antoni (coach de Phoenix) n'est pas le dernier à apprécier cette métamorphose. Il s'en explique aujourd'hui dans L'Equipe.
"Je suis venu en Serbie pour le voir. C'est un grand talent, capable de jouer aux postes 2, 3 et 4. J'ai vraiment envie de travailler avec lui. Il jouera le jeu de Phoenix. C'est à dire un basket basé sur la vitesse et la contre-attaque. Il a beaucoup de qualités, même s'il doit travailler son shoot. Mais je sais qu'il va y arriver. En tout cas, nous apprécions son talent, son tempérament et sa personnalité. S'il joue comme ça, il va jouer beaucoup avec nous. De plus, selon les adversaires, nous avons un 5 de petite taille et un autre de grande taille, or sa polyvalence lui permettra de jouer dans les deux configurations. Il faudra juste qu'il shoote plus... mais en fait, je vux surtout qu'il joue comme il le sent. S'il shoote bien, tant mieux... Sinon, on fera avec".
Considéré comme un candidat au titre de MVP de cet Euro, Diaw tourne actuellement à 14.6 pts (56% aux tirs), 6 rbds, 3.8 pds, 1.4 ct et 0.8 int de moyenne. Seule ombre au tableau, son affreux 19% aux LF...

 

[Treesquid PhD]

Apparently Boris has a nickname, Bobo. Title says, Bobo wins over D'Antoni

This article is in French, as you can no doubt see. I have never attempted to translate an article, (even one this short, oui, 7 years of French), so I am providing only the salient points. Maybe Ollie can provide a real translation.

The part I found most interesting was where D'Antoni says that Diaw can play the either the 2, 3 or 4 and can play in the big and small lineups, they like his versatility. No mention of playing point guard. He also goes on to say that Boris has to work on his shot and that they also like his temperment, talent and personality. If he continues to play like this, he will get lots of time with the Suns.
'
hey who si this bobo guy???? i love him!!

http://www.basketusa.com/asp/mai_home/hom_bus.asp

Bobo a conquis D'Antoni 23 Septembre 2005

You must be registered for see images

You must be registered for see images

La NBA en stand-by, tous les yeux sont rivés sur l'Euro 2005 et c'est une bonne chose puisque la France reste sur deux exploits (victoires face au champion du Monde, puis face au Champion d'Europe) et qu'un certain Boris Diaw a pris une nouvelle dimension.
Meilleur marqueur, passeur et contreur des Bleus, le nouvel ailier des Suns crève l'écran (18 pts, 11 rbds hier) et dans les tribunes, un certain Mike d'Antoni (coach de Phoenix) n'est pas le dernier à apprécier cette métamorphose. Il s'en explique aujourd'hui dans L'Equipe.
"Je suis venu en Serbie pour le voir. C'est un grand talent, capable de jouer aux postes 2, 3 et 4. J'ai vraiment envie de travailler avec lui. Il jouera le jeu de Phoenix. C'est à dire un basket basé sur la vitesse et la contre-attaque. Il a beaucoup de qualités, même s'il doit travailler son shoot. Mais je sais qu'il va y arriver. En tout cas, nous apprécions son talent, son tempérament et sa personnalité. S'il joue comme ça, il va jouer beaucoup avec nous. De plus, selon les adversaires, nous avons un 5 de petite taille et un autre de grande taille, or sa polyvalence lui permettra de jouer dans les deux configurations. Il faudra juste qu'il shoote plus... mais en fait, je vux surtout qu'il joue comme il le sent. S'il shoote bien, tant mieux... Sinon, on fera avec".
Considéré comme un candidat au titre de MVP de cet Euro, Diaw tourne actuellement à 14.6 pts (56% aux tirs), 6 rbds, 3.8 pds, 1.4 ct et 0.8 int de moyenne. Seule ombre au tableau, son affreux 19% aux LF...

bobo? he is my favorite i bet he is a star.

 

[mathbzh]

No way Diaw can be MVP for this euro.
He was great in this Euro, but nothing compared to Dirk Nowitski.

And a MVP with 19% FT...

I am sad for France because they played well during 39 minutes and panicked in the last one.

 

[Ollie]

The last 50 seconds were really disgusting to see, cause suddenly our defense disappeared and our choke artists Parker and Rigaudeau started to throw bricks on free throws...

This loss is such a shame, especially for Boris, who played so well in the last 5 mns... must be hard to swallow.

Apparently Boris has a nickname, Bobo. Title says, Bobo wins over D'Antoni

This article is in French, as you can no doubt see. I have never attempted to translate an article, (even one this short, oui, 7 years of French), so I am providing only the salient points. Maybe Ollie can provide a real translation.

The part I found most interesting was where D'Antoni says that Diaw can play the either the 2, 3 or 4 and can play in the big and small lineups, they like his versatility. No mention of playing point guard. He also goes on to say that Boris has to work on his shot and that they also like his temperment, talent and personality. If he continues to play like this, he will get lots of time with the Suns.

http://www.basketusa.com/asp/mai_home/hom_bus.asp

Bobo a conquis D'Antoni 23 Septembre 2005

You must be registered for see images

You must be registered for see images

La NBA en stand-by, tous les yeux sont rivés sur l'Euro 2005 et c'est une bonne chose puisque la France reste sur deux exploits (victoires face au champion du Monde, puis face au Champion d'Europe) et qu'un certain Boris Diaw a pris une nouvelle dimension.
Meilleur marqueur, passeur et contreur des Bleus, le nouvel ailier des Suns crève l'écran (18 pts, 11 rbds hier) et dans les tribunes, un certain Mike d'Antoni (coach de Phoenix) n'est pas le dernier à apprécier cette métamorphose. Il s'en explique aujourd'hui dans L'Equipe.
"Je suis venu en Serbie pour le voir. C'est un grand talent, capable de jouer aux postes 2, 3 et 4. J'ai vraiment envie de travailler avec lui. Il jouera le jeu de Phoenix. C'est à dire un basket basé sur la vitesse et la contre-attaque. Il a beaucoup de qualités, même s'il doit travailler son shoot. Mais je sais qu'il va y arriver. En tout cas, nous apprécions son talent, son tempérament et sa personnalité. S'il joue comme ça, il va jouer beaucoup avec nous. De plus, selon les adversaires, nous avons un 5 de petite taille et un autre de grande taille, or sa polyvalence lui permettra de jouer dans les deux configurations. Il faudra juste qu'il shoote plus... mais en fait, je vux surtout qu'il joue comme il le sent. S'il shoote bien, tant mieux... Sinon, on fera avec".
Considéré comme un candidat au titre de MVP de cet Euro, Diaw tourne actuellement à 14.6 pts (56% aux tirs), 6 rbds, 3.8 pds, 1.4 ct et 0.8 int de moyenne. Seule ombre au tableau, son affreux 19% aux LF...

Well, it's a small informative article about Diaw and his "metamorphosis" during Euro Championships, providing some stats and an excerpt of a D'Antoni press conference, originally published by "L'équipe" (italic text), in which coach Mike shows some love for him.

I tried (I wouldn't pretend that I achieved it, though) to translate it in that thread
http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/showthread.php?t=60320&page=10

 

[sunsfn]

The last 50 seconds were really disgusting to see, cause suddenly our defense disappeared and our choke artists Parker and Rigaudeau started to throw bricks on free throws...

This loss is such a shame, especially for Boris, who played so well in the last 5 mns... must be hard to swallow.

I was able to watch the last few minutes of the first half and the 2nd half.
(Forgot it was on)

The first thing I noticed is that Diaw is BIG!.
Not just tall, but big, he is not skinny. He looks to be the size of Joe Johnson, but stands and runs straight up.

Diaw looks like Yoda! Pointy ears.......Maybe Dr. Spock....

Handled the ball very good (lost it once) and his 3 point shot looked flat.

He did look somewhat hesitant a few times before he shot, and did pass sometimes when he could have shot. The europeans pass a lot more so that is normal over there.
In this game Parker really was hot in the first half, but in the 2nd they guarded him close and doubled him a lot. Diaw only had 4 points at the half, but took more shots and looked good in the 2nd half.

The end of the game was painful to watch if you were rooting for the French. They missed 6 of 8 free throws when they could have put the game away with just one of those 6 being made.

At one point at the end, Diaw fouled a player as soon as the ball was inbounded. Not sure he was trying to or not, but they have to take the ball in under the basket not at half court, and if he had waited another 5-6 seconds it might have been the difference in this game. The announcer said after the game, the foul was okay but he should have waited. Not sure if the coach told him to foul or not. The player he fouled made both of his free throws, and then France missed their free throws on a foul and Greece took the ball down quick made a shot and was fouled and made the free throw.

Very tough game at the end to watch.

But Diaw looked good and will just need playing time here to be an excellent player some day. I personally think he is a year away from really producing for the suns, but hopefully not.


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