Although Nikola Vucevic outscored Giannis Antetokounmpo 12-10 during Sunday’s 2019 FIBA World Cup game featuring the two NBA Eastern Conference All-Stars, it was the reigning league MVP’s team that cruised to a victory.
Greece jumped out to a big early lead and never relinquished control in its 85-60 win over Montenegro in Group F action.
Vucevic, coming off the best season of his NBA career in which he averaged career highs in points, rebounds and assists, was on the floor for 22 minutes and was one of only two Montenegrins to score in double figures. Like most of his teammates, though, the 7-footer wasn’t able to get into much of a rhythm, going 6-of-15 from the field.
Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, only played in 16 minutes, grabbing seven rebounds, collecting two steals and blocking one shot while making four of his nine shot attempts. Georgios Printezis led Greece in scoring with 16 points, while Georgios Papagiannis posted 15 points. Greece, which led by as many as 30, shot 57 percent overall and out-rebounded Montenegro 42-30.
Montenegro is back in action on Tuesday when it faces off against New Zealand at 4 a.m. ET.