EuroBasket: Jokic records 11+10+7 in three quarters as Serbia crushes Estonia by 34 points

On August 28 Beijing time, in the Group A preliminary round of the men's EuroBasket, title favorite Serbia dominated Estonia 98-64 in their opening match. Nuggets star Jokic played three quarters, shooting 3 of 4 from the field and 5 of 6 from the free-throw line, contributing 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. Serbia never trailed in the game, shooting an impressive 61% from the field and leading by as much as 44 points, easily securing their first victory.

Statistics

Serbia: Jokic 11 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists; Jovic 18 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists; Avramovic 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists; Petrušev 12 points; Bogdanović 11 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists; Vučević 9 points, 7 rebounds; Gudurić 6 points; Marinković 6 points

Estonia: Dreyer 11 points; Kononsuk 10 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals; Kullamäe 8 points, 3 assists; Treier 8 points, 4 rebounds; Jõesaar 6 points; Vene 5 points, 5 assists, 2 steals

Player of the Game

Jokic achieved a complete stat line of 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists in just 23 minutes, leading the game with a +39 plus-minus rating.

Game Recap

In the first quarter, Jokic scored on a layup as Serbia quickly opened with a 9-0 run. Kononsuk hit a three-pointer to break Estonia’s scoring drought. Bogdanović and Avramovic followed with consecutive threes, while Jovic scored both inside and outside, rapidly extending the lead. The quarter ended with Serbia ahead 32-12.

In the second quarter, Marinković nailed consecutive threes, and Jokic added points from the free-throw line. Estonia’s defense couldn’t contain Serbia’s offense, widening the gap further. By halftime, Serbia led Estonia 56-29, establishing a 27-point advantage.

After the break, Jokic continued attacking the paint, scoring through shots and free throws. Following Jovic’s three-pointer, he completed a 2+1 layup. Estonia struggled to score, and the deficit kept growing. After three quarters, Serbia led 86-44.

In the final quarter, Serbia rested Jokic and several starters, turning the game into garbage time. Estonia’s Treier and Jõesaar scored consecutively, sparking a 7-0 run. Gudurić hit a floater, and Mišić made a mid-range jumper. Against Serbia’s bench players, Estonia managed to reduce the margin somewhat. Estonia outscored Serbia 20-12 in the last quarter, but Serbia still cruised to a 98-64 win, comfortably earning their first group stage victory.

Starting Lineups

Serbia: Jovic, Avramovic, Petrušev, Bogdanović, Jokic

Estonia: Dreyer, Kononsuk, Kullamäe, Jõesaar, Tass