Serbia secured its second Olympic win with a 96-85 victory over South Sudan on Saturday. The Nikola Jokic-led team finished second in Group C and secured its spot in the quarterfinals. They will face Australia on Tuesday, Aug. 6. South Sudan’s tenure in the tournament has ended despite some impressive play.
Here are three takeaways from Serbia’s win.
1. Bogdan Bogdanovic’s came alive
Bogdan Bogdanovic ended the contest with 30 points, eight assists, four rebounds, two steals and two blocks. He showcased his NBA credentials and reminded the world that Serbia’s team is about more than just Jokic. Bogdanovic hit 10-of-14 from the field, with six of those baskets coming from three-point range.
If he can continue performing at this level, Australia will struggle to contain Bogdanovic’s offensive output, especially while trying to deal with Jokic’s threat. Serbia’s second-best player is peaking at the perfect time, which could spell trouble for other teams in the tournament.
2. Vasilije Micic getting hot off the bench is a good sign
Vasilije Micic played admirably against a formidable South Sudanese squad. In 22 minutes of action, he scored 15 points and disheveled seven assists. Off the bench, the Charlotte Hornets point guard proved to be a dependable player and will likely continue to pose a threat.
He will, however, undoubtedly encounter more formidable perimeter fortifications than those found in South Sudan. But going forward, he will play a big part if he can keep producing off the dribble for both himself and other players.
3. Nikola Jokic continues to dominate
There’s no doubt that Jokic is the best player in the world. His approach to the game is always professional. He’s committed to playing the game the right way. Against South Sudan, Jokic allowed his team’s guards to quarterback the offense, instead using his size to counteract the length and athleticism of his opponents. Jokic’s versatility will be a core factor in how far Serbia can go.
The Joker ended the contest with 22 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. There will be other games where his focus is on unlocking defenses. That’s the beauty of having Jokic on your roster; whatever your team needs, he can give you. He’s had an exceptional start to the Olympic games.