On Tuesday, 30 July, the day kicked off with a high-voltage clash between an Olympic podium regular, Spain, the current European champion, and Greece led by the mighty Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Sparks flew in a must-win encounter.

The first course of the day, which turned out to be the main event, concluded with a series of matchups that confirmed the high calibre of teams vying for those coveted medals. Indeed, the day’s opening clash was a monumental European duel between Spain and Greece. 

Both teams, having stumbled in their opener against Australia and Canada respectively, faced a do-or-die situation. Spain emerged victorious with a solid 84-77 win, demonstrating their quality to stay in the competition despite being labelled as the underdogs in the so-called “Group of Death.”

The Spanish team, led by the formidable 'Grizzly', Santi Aldama, and bolstered by the sharpshooting veterans Sergio Llull and Rudy Fernández, showcased remarkable cohesion and performance, keeping them firmly in the hunt for top positions.

The team’s unity and resilience, earning them the nickname "La Familia," were on full display. On the other side, a solitary Antetokounmpo couldn’t lead Greece to the win, leaving the Greek squad in a precarious position, needing to secure victory in their next game against Australia to disrupt the Group A standings.

Next on the agenda was a thrilling encounter between Canada and Australia, which certainly did not disappoint. Both teams, seen as serious medal contenders, delivered a thrilling spectacle, with Canada emerging victorious 93-83. The North Americans, spearheaded by R.J. Barrett, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Dillon Brooks, proved why they are among the tournament’s favourites. 

Meanwhile, Australian point guard Josh Giddey, continuing his impressive form following his recent move to Chicago, did everything in his power to keep Australia in contention. Despite the tough loss, the Boomers made it clear they remain a formidable force in the tournament.

Following that, it was France’s turn. Despite a comfortable win against Brazil, there were lingering doubts about the French team. The team had struggled during the friendly tour, ending with a disastrous 0-4 record before the tournament began. However, the talent of Victor Wembanyama, as the leader of Vincent Collet’s squad, proved crucial. 

Wembanyama’s brilliance helped France avoid a major upset from a determined Japanese team, which forced overtime thanks to outstanding performances from Rui Hachimura and Yuki Kawamura, who combined for 53 points.

In the end, it was the blend of experience (Rudy Gobert and Nicolas Batum) and the youth of the versatile star 'Wemby’ that served as France’s lifeline with 18 points and 11 rebounds, guiding them past a valiant Japanese team.

The day wrapped up with an exhilarating match between Germany and Brazil, a clash that promised much and delivered in spades. After a tight first half, Germany, driven by their star trio of Dennis Schröder, Franz Wagner, and Andreas Obst, unleashed their potential in the second half to defeat the Brazilians by a decent margin: 73-86. 

Germany’s strong team performance dashed Brazilian hopes, despite impressive efforts from Benite and Caboclo. The victory not only solidifies Germany’s position in Group C but also sets the stage for a thrilling final-day clash against France on July 2nd, which will be crucial in determining the group’s top spot.

In essence, the second day of basketball at the Paris 2024 Olympics provided a feast of excitement and quality on the court. France overcame their doubts and reaffirmed their status, while Spain, Canada, and Germany delivered key victories that pushed them closer to the knockout rounds. 

With each game, the intensity rises and the competition becomes fiercer, promising an exhilarating finish in the quest for medals. The action continues with tomorrow’s matchups of Serbia vs. Puerto Rico and South Sudan vs. USA, which will wrap up the second round of Group C.