Reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic captured another notch on his belt after guiding the Serbian Mens National team to a 95-90 OT victory over Australia after overcoming a 24-point deficit in the second quarter.
SERBIA COMPLETES 24-PT COMEBACK TO GET W OVER AUSTRALIA 🤯
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 6, 2024
Jokić: 21 PTS, 14 REB, 8 AST, 4 STL pic.twitter.com/iJOUTbsCIF
After finding themselves in a 14-point deficit at the end of the first quarter, Asuralia's lead continued to grow as Jokic and company found themselves down by 24 points in the second quarter. However, the Serbians could battle their way back and only trailed by 12 points entering the half. In the third quarter, Serbia returned the favor by holding Australia to just 11 points while outscoring them by 14 points to take the lead after being down by 24 points just a quarter before. Serbia’s comeback was led by 2023 NBA champion and 3x NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, who recorded 21 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists, and four steals in a near triple-double performance.
While Serbia rallied back to take the lead entering the fourth quarter, the Australians held their own, tying the game at 82 a piece at the end of regulation, forcing an OT period, where Serbia outscored Australia 13-8 and advanced to the Olympic Semi-Finals. Serbia will take on the winner of the USA vs Brazil Quarter-Final matchup on Wednesday, August 7, in Paris, France, but will be aired in the United States on Thursday, August 8, at 3:00 pm. EST for a chance to advance to the Olympic final and play for a gold medal.
