Consider Nikola Jokic’s dual performances in Serbia’s World Cup qualifying matches the appetizer.
EuroBasket, which runs Sept. 1 through Sept. 18, is the main course. And because of Jokic, Serbia has legitimate designs on winning the prestigious continental tournament.
Last week, Jokic outlasted Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greek squad, 100-94 in overtime, to claim a pivotal victory as Serbia positions itself to qualify for the 2023 World Cup. On Sunday, Jokic again led Serbia to another crucial win over Turkey in the most recent qualifying window.
Throughout those two qualifying games, Jokic averaged 26.5 points on 65% shooting with nine rebounds per game.