Giannis Antetokounmpo's Greece teammate rushed to hospital after loss to Spain in Olympics basketball
Giannis Antetokounmpo's Greece teammate Nick Calathes was rushed to hospital after an 84-77 loss at the 2024 Paris Olympics against Spain on Tuesday. The 35-year-old veteran point guard, who represented Memphis Grizzlies between 2013-2015, sustained a painful rib injury during the game.
The Greece Basketball Federation shared an update on their starting point guard's status after the team suffered its second consecutive defeat in the ongoing Summer Games.
"Nick Calathes was taken to the hospital after the game against Spain due to a sharp pain on his right side, caused by an elbow he received during the match," the Greece Federation said in a release.
"Initial X-rays and ultrasounds showed no fractures but revealed some damage to the soft tissues and around the lower ribs. Calathes is now taking painkillers and is under medical supervision," the release added.
Calathes is doubtful for Greece's last group game with Australia on Friday. Giannis' Greece need a victory to keep their hopes of qualifying for the quarterfinals alive. The top two teams from the three groups along with the two best third ranked teams will qualify for the knockouts.
Greece fans will hope that Calathes recovers from recent injury and is fit to play the must-win game.
How Nick Calathes has fared for Giannis Antetokounmpo's Greece at 2024 Paris Olympics
In Greece's opener against Canada, Nick Calathes played for 23:27 minutes. The 35-year-old scored three points on 1-of-4 shooting, including 1-of-3 from the 3-point range. He led the team in assists with seven dimes and also recorded four rebounds.
Against Spain, Calathes was on the court for 32:38 minutes. The one-time EuroLeague champion scored eight points on 3-of-12 shooting, including 2-of-6 from beyond the arc. He once again led the team in assists with seven dimes and grabbed three rebounds.
If Calathes misses the Australi gamea, Greece would have to manage without their primary ball handler and floor general. It will increase the weight on superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo's shoulder, who has already done the heavy lifting in the last two games.
The Milwaukee Bucks forward scored 27 points on 11-of-17 shooting against Spain. The one-time NBA champion also registered 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was phenomenal against Canada as well. The two-time NBA MVP scored 34 points on 11-17 shooting along with five rebounds and two assists.