In a stunning comeback, Nikola Jokic led Serbia to a 95-90 overtime victory against Australia in the quarter-finals of the Paris Olympic basketball tournament. Serbia overcame a 24-point first-half deficit to secure their place in the semi-finals for the second time in the last three Olympic Games.
The game was intense from start to finish. Serbia battled back from the early deficit and appeared to have the game won in regulation. However, a dramatic fadeaway jumper by Australia’s Patty Mills with just 1.4 seconds left sent the game into overtime.
In the extra session, Jokic proved his MVP credentials by scoring two crucial baskets in the final minute, turning a 90-89 deficit into a 93-90 lead for Serbia. Bogdan Bogdanovic then sealed the victory by making two free throws.
Jokic finished the game with a team-high 21 points and 14 rebounds, demonstrating his leadership and skill on both ends of the court. Bogdanovic contributed 17 points and praised Jokic’s defensive efforts, highlighting his ability to make the game easier for his teammates.
Serbia now advances to the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the quarter-final matchup between the United States, led by LeBron James, and Brazil. This sets up a potentially exciting clash as the tournament moves into its final stages.
Meanwhile, Germany also secured their place in the final four by defeating Greece 76-63. Franz Wagner led Germany with 18 points, helping his team advance to their first-ever Olympic basketball semi-finals.
With the tournament shifting from Lille to Paris for the knockout rounds, all eyes are on the remaining matches, including the highly anticipated showdown between France and Canada. As teams vie for a place in the final, Jokic’s clutch performance highlights his status as one of basketball’s most valuable players.
