Today was an exciting day for the verb “drop.” Florence + The Machine dropped the lead single for their sixth album, and its title—“Everybody Scream”—was an apt reaction to Giannis Antetokounmpo dropping 25 (all stats per Harris Stavrou) as Greece defeated Latvia 104-86 in preparation for next week’s Eurobasket 2025.
Greece got out to a strong start, leading 30-17 after one over Kristaps Porzingis and company. They would maintain that lead for the rest of the game, winning or tying each of the subsequent
quarters. Joining Giannis with double digit point totals were Giannoulis Larentzakis, Alexandr Samontourov, and Tyler Dorsey, while Konstantinos Sloukas dished out 10 assists. The boys from Riga were led by Rihards Lomazs’ 17 points, with Porzingis adding a mere seven.
Giannis stuffed the stat sheet, adding 10 rebounds and three assists (for a total of 38 poisisounds) as well as two steals, two blocks, and only one turnover. He went seven for nine from the charity stripe and, bless, missed the only three he took. Notably, many of his points were right in the teeth of Porzingis, including several fadeaways. Perhaps the most important number? 15 minutes of run, good for seventh best on the team.
Thanasis also played! He racked up more fouls (3) than points (2)—more fouls than Giannis in less gametime—alongside four boards and a steal. Look out, AJax and Amir.
Greece plays Italy on Friday. In the meantime, I leave you with the oddly germane lyrics to Everybody Scream:
Here, I don’t have to quiet
Here, I don’t have to be kind
Extraordinary and normal all at the same time
But look at me run myself ragged
Blood on the stage
But how can I leave you when you’re screaming my name?
Screaming my nameHere, I can take up the whole of the sky
Unfurling, becoming my full size
And look at me burst through the ceiling
Aren’t you so glad you came?
Breathless and begging and screaming my name
Screaming my name
