Jokic’s triple-double leads Serbia to Olympic bronze in basketball

Nikola Jokic delivered a masterful performance with a triple-double, guiding Serbia to a 93-83 victory over Germany in the Olympic men’s basketball bronze medal match on Saturday. The win avenged Serbia’s loss to Germany in last year’s World Cup final.

Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP, recorded 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, ensuring Serbia claimed a spot on the podium after a heart-wrenching semi-final defeat to the United States. Jokic, who had missed the 2023 World Cup where Germany clinched their first title, made a significant impact in Paris, leading Serbia to a decisive win.

The bronze marks Jokic’s second Olympic medal, adding to the silver he earned with Serbia at the 2016 Rio Games. Bogdan Bogdanovic, who scored 16 points, also played a crucial role, having been part of that 2016 squad as well.

Vasilije Micic matched Jokic’s 19 points, with six Serbian players scoring in double figures, showcasing their dominance throughout the game. Serbia held a 46-38 lead at halftime and extended their advantage to 19 points in the third quarter, keeping Germany at bay.

Franz Wagner led Germany with 18 points, while his brother Moritz added 16. Dennis Schroder, the standout player from Germany’s World Cup triumph, was limited to 13 points. Despite Germany’s efforts to close the gap, Serbia maintained control and ensured there was no repeat of their semi-final collapse, denying Germany its first Olympic basketball medal.

(Source: AFP)