Nikola Jokic put on an absolute clinic on Thursday, dropping 20 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out eight assists to lead Serbia past France in a fiery friendly. This wasn’t just any exhibition; it was a showdown against Victor Wembanyama, and the 90-87 Serbian victory sent a clear message: the world is catching up, fast.
The Joker’s Warning Shot
Jokic was locked in, running the show with that incredible all-around game we know him for. Twenty points, nine boards, eight dimes, that’s a stat line that screams dominance. He controlled the tempo, made plays, and ultimately clinched a tight 90-87 win for Serbia. Wembanyama, on the other hand, had a tougher outing. He scored 10 points, sure, and the source says he “had his moments,” but shooting just 1-of-6 from beyond the arc? That’s not the kind of efficiency you want against an elite opponent. This friendly might be a prep game for World Cup qualifying, but it felt like a statement game for Jokic and Serbia.
2028 Gold Medal On Notice
Listen, everyone talks about the USA’s five-time reigning gold medal streak in men’s basketball, but if you’re watching games like this, you know the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028 are “far from a sure thing.” The global talent pool is deeper than ever. France, with Wembanyama, and Serbia, led by Jokic, are explicitly named as the “two biggest threats” to take that gold away from the USA. This friendly gave us a glimpse of why. Even after handling Wembanyama’s French squad, Jokic had nothing but praise for his opponent. “He is a special opponent because he is unique as a player and as a person,” Jokic told the media, adding, “I don’t see him as a rival, and I don’t take this personally. He has the opportunity to be the most unique basketball player we’ve ever seen, to be the best ever.” High praise, but it came right after Jokic dropped 20 on him. The future is here, and it’s global.
Next up, these teams are gearing up for World Cup qualifying, but every game feels like a stepping stone to 2028. You can bet your bottom dollar we’re going to see more epic matchups between these two and their squads. If this friendly was any indication, the road to Olympic glory is going to be absolutely wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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