Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, primarily celebrated for his exceptional playmaking, demonstrated his prowess as an elite scorer on Saturday. In Serbia`s 84-80 triumph over Latvia at EuroBasket 2025, Jokic delivered a performance for the ages.
Jokic recorded an astonishing 39 points on 15-of-26 shooting, complemented by 10 rebounds, four assists, and three steals. This monumental effort broke his own record for the highest-scoring game by a Serbian player in EuroBasket history. The crucial win improved Serbia`s tournament record to 3-0 and guaranteed them a coveted spot in the knockout stage.
“I don`t have any words,” Serbian guard Aleksa Avramovic remarked to Basket News, reflecting on Jokic`s incredible display.
Utilizing his signature soft touch around the rim, Jokic deftly converted a variety of shots in the paint, often scoring over Latvia`s Kristaps Porzingis, the Atlanta Hawks center. While much of his damage was done inside, his most pivotal basket came from beyond the arc.
With just over 90 seconds left and Serbia clinging to a four-point lead, Jokic set a screen for Avramovic. Instead of rolling to the basket, he strategically popped out to the perimeter. Avramovic found him wide open at the top of the key, and Jokic calmly drained the three-pointer, extending Serbia`s lead to seven points and effectively sealing the victory.
“He`s our leader. When we see him lead the way and do all the things he`s doing, even over two or three defenders, it gives everybody else the motivation to step up even more,” stated Serbian big man Filip Petrusev. “That`s why it was a great team victory tonight.”
Serbia, considered one of the tournament favorites, now stands at an unblemished 3-0 record and has secured its place in the knockout round, despite having two group stage games remaining. Their next fixtures are scheduled against Czechia on Monday and Türkiye on Wednesday, as they look to maintain their perfect run.
Across the first three games of the tournament, Jokic is averaging an impressive 24.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, shooting an efficient 65% from the field. He currently ranks fifth in scoring and third in rebounding among all tournament players, showcasing his multifaceted impact, although his assist numbers place him 19th.
