Originally posted by DanMajerle
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Group B, day 3: USA vs Greece
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"If there are no stupid questions, then what kind of questions do stupid people ask? Do they get smart just in time to ask questions?"
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Originally posted by GyroscopeInteresting point, but I'm not sure any of the top teams have any secrets, really. Everybody knows how Greece plays, it's fairly predictable - yet difficult to counter. On the other hand, you can sometimes overlook individual players - like Glyniadakis against Germany.
I agree with this. You guys would know more about Greece's strategy than me but I would think they're gonna play to win. What could they possibly be hiding that they wouldn't want to show their opponents?LOL
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Originally posted by GyroscopeInteresting point, but I'm not sure any of the top teams have any secrets, really. Everybody knows how Greece plays, it's fairly predictable - yet difficult to counter. On the other hand, you can sometimes overlook individual players - like Glyniadakis against Germany.
Maybe they know how they play, but it's different if you actually experinece it, if you can practice against Greeks who play Pick'n'Roll extensively yourself. Why not let them try to manage with it in an elimination game, not giving the USA the chance to do it now."It's not about four guys working to get one player open and give the ball to him."- Ettore Messina
Sanchez, Ginobili, Basile, Kukoc, Sabonis
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I think they will defenitely play to win,but it isn't like in 2006 in KO stage,where it's the live or die mentality that seems to work the best for Greece.I think USA will win this one with a margin of 10-15 points. AND please ppl if that happens,take a big breath and relax.It's not the end of the world."The worst part is wondering how you’ll find the strength tomorrow to go on doing what you did today and have been doing for much too long,where you’ll find the strength for all that stupid running around,those attempts to escape from crushing necessity,which always founder and serve only to convince you one more time that destiny is implacable,that every night will find you down and out,crushed by the dread of more and more sordid and insecure tomorrows.~Céline
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I don't think that way of thinking(as in hiding things and giving away wins) suits Yiannakis' mentality, nor would I want it to. I think they are going to play a good game, give it their best, but knowing this game is not a must win one. Which means, at least for these specific Greek players, that they might be cooler than they should...or just as cool as they should. It's strange how mentality works in this wonderful game. Anyway, coach Yiannakis has been saying from the beginning that our objective in this stage is 3 wins and he really means it. Not that he would mind a victory over the US team.
BTW, I don't think there is an unbeatable team anymore, at least not in an elimination game. So, if there is the least chance of Greece beating the US, I would rather it be when it matters. Because the truth is, with a team like the US, you don't get a lot of chances to beat them. It can happen once in a game out of 7 for example.Start your day with a smile and get over it
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Momentum
i think the key for Greece is that they played well so that they don't lose the momentum from the Germany game. If they get blown out by the US then it will be like starting from zero in terms of momentum. China's game against Spain has shown us that China should not be overlooked and that is the key game for Greece to secure a quarterfinal spot. No team in Group A should scare Greece so the game against the US means very little. The only thing that matters is that they continue to play well, focused, without any dry spells on offense and without frustration and complaining against the refs. If they play well and lose by <10 points, I think they should be happy and it will set them up nicely for the deciding game against China.
Also, something that no one has mentioned yet is that even if Greece beats the US they will still likely finish 3rd in the group, the same place they will get if they lose to the US (and beat China). If Greece beats the US and the US beats Spain, those three teams will tie at the top of the standings at 4-1. Since Greece loset by 15 to Spain and is unlikely to beat the US by anything more than 5 points, and the US will probably beat Spain by 5-15 points, Greece would end up in 3rd place on points differential.
So the game against the USA has no significance for the standings. The only thing that matters is keeping the momentum going.
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Originally posted by christodoulou76i think the key for Greece is that they played well so that they don't lose the momentum from the Germany game. If they get blown out by the US then it will be like starting from zero in terms of momentum. China's game against Spain has shown us that China should not be overlooked and that is the key game for Greece to secure a quarterfinal spot. No team in Group A should scare Greece so the game against the US means very little. The only thing that matters is that they continue to play well, focused, without any dry spells on offense and without frustration and complaining against the refs. If they play well and lose by <10 points, I think they should be happy and it will set them up nicely for the deciding game against China.
Also, something that no one has mentioned yet is that even if Greece beats the US they will still likely finish 3rd in the group, the same place they will get if they lose to the US (and beat China). If Greece beats the US and the US beats Spain, those three teams will tie at the top of the standings at 4-1. Since Greece loset by 15 to Spain and is unlikely to beat the US by anything more than 5 points, and the US will probably beat Spain by 5-15 points, Greece would end up in 3rd place on points differential.
So the game against the USA has no significance for the standings. The only thing that matters is keeping the momentum going.You live with the Freak you die with the Freak!!!
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Obiusly that game is going to be very hard for the USA. They score the most points in dunks, but Greecks have one of the best D. Also USA is scoring badly away the basket. The key is to slow the game for Greecks. Althoug I think that USA is going to win.
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BTW, I don't think there is an unbeatable team anymore, at least not in an elimination game.
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No big thought here but, to me, this game is huge for the United States, imo. Both teams will be all business and Greece and the US will want to measure themselves against each other. I would love to see a triple overtime one point win by either squad.
If Greece defeats the US it will be extremely interesting to see how they handle the loss.
I'm just looking for the ultra fun this game promises. Who's with me?
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Originally posted by RussTo me, so true.
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No big thought here but, to me, this game is huge for the United States, imo. Both teams will be all business and Greece and the US will want to measure themselves against each other. I would love to see a triple overtime one point win by either squad.
If Greece defeats the US it will be extremely interesting to see how they handle the loss.
I'm just looking for the ultra fun this game promises. Who's with me?
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Originally posted by christodoulou76I'll rephrase it for you:
The game against the US will not affect the standings. Greece is likely to get 3rd place in Group B either way.
The game matters because they need to retain the momentum from the Germany game.
OK?
The outcome of the group stage and IMO of the whole tournament has already been decided last Sunday.You live with the Freak you die with the Freak!!!
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Originally posted by fasoulakiYes, your post is much better now!
The outcome of the group stage and IMO of the whole tournament has already been decided last Sunday.
Why is that such a problem for you?
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Originally posted by christodoulou76I'll rephrase it for you:
The game against the US will not affect the standings. Greece is likely to get 3rd place in Group B either way.
The game matters because they need to retain the momentum from the Germany game.
OK?
Greece doesn't need this game it will not affect the standings. It's HARD to beat 2 times in a tournament a team like USA so I believe that if the USA take a lead Greece will not try to win the game but we will try to follow the score and test our opponents.
We will be ready to strike at the Semifinals
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