This past weekend marked the beginning of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where the greatest athletes in the world competed in a variety of sports. Men’s basketball began play on Saturday, July 27, with Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greece squad playing Canada in Lille in the day’s main event.

The game was close in the fourth quarter, but Canada prevailed 86-79 despite the best efforts of the two-time MVP.

Antetokounmpo topped all scorers with 34 points and five rebounds at the end of the game. He shot 11 of 17 (65%) from the floor. For Bucks supporters, he was even more encouraging as he shot an incredible 12-for-15 (or 80%) from the free throw line.

Greece found it difficult to support Giannis; the only player to score in double figures was Kostas Papanikolaou, who scored 17. After Greece’s remaining players made 12 of their 42 field goals, they scored 45 points in total, which allowed Canada to win late.

Not the start Greece had hoped for, but with Giannis leading the way, they can advance

Greece had not competed in the Olympic basketball tournament since 2008. As the Greek boat led out all the nations along the River Seine in the opening ceremony, Giannis Antetokounmpo assisted in leading them there and had the distinction of being one of the flag carriers alongside race walker Antigoni Drisbioti.

Although it was a challenging beginning, Greece will benefit much from it. They shot badly, save for Giannis, and only fell by seven points against one of the competition’s favorites. Canada’s RJ Barrett led with 23 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the OKC Thunder chipped in with 21. Although the team splits were comparable generally, the Canadians eventually converted their shots in the closing moments, even though they were only ahead by two with one minute remaining.

With Australia defeating Spain earlier in the day, Group A is wide open, with Canada probably the favorites to win the group and among the favorites to medal. However, the other two teams are equally skilled, combining NBA and EuroLeague players. Greece will be looking to build on Giannis’ incredible performance when they play Spain on July 30 at 4 a.m. CST.

It is practically a must-win game for both Greece and Spain to advance to the knockout stages of the Olympics after Spain lost to Australia 92-80 earlier in the day.

With the help of Willy Hernangomez’s 14 points and Sergio Llull’s 17 points, Santi Aldama of the Memphis Grizzlies dazzled with his 27 points. The fact that they shot poorly from three as a team—just 32.4 percent—might also play a role in deciding the outcome between Greece and Spain.

On August 2 at 6:30 a.m. CST, Greece will play their last group match against Australia.

Keep checking back for updates on the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s performance leading his country to victory in the Olympics.