Serbia's Strong Start in EuroBasket

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic delivered a stellar performance as Serbia cruised to a 98-64 victory over Estonia on the opening day of EuroBasket. Jokic, who played for 23 minutes, recorded a double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, solidifying his role as a key player for the Serbian team.

Key Performances

• Nikola Jovic of the Miami Heat led Serbia with 18 points.
• Serbia's dominance was evident from the start, as they scored the first nine points of the game and followed it up with a 17-3 run, establishing a double-digit lead they never relinquished.

Other Group A Highlights

• Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz scored 28 points to lead Finland to a narrow 93-90 victory over Sweden.
• Miikka Muurinen hit crucial baskets in the final minutes to secure the win for Finland.

Group B Action

• Germany, the reigning World Cup champion, showcased their strength with a 106-76 win over Montenegro. Andreas Obst sparked a 33-12 run in the third quarter with four 3-pointers.
• Dennis Schroder of the Sacramento Kings contributed 21 points, while Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic added 22 points and eight rebounds on his 24th birthday.

Upcoming Matches

• Latvia will face Estonia on Friday, while Turkey takes on the Czech Republic.
• Germany is set to play Sweden, and Montenegro will challenge Lithuania.

Historical Context

• Neemias Queta of the Boston Celtics led Portugal to their first EuroBasket win in 18 years, with a 62-50 victory over the Czech Republic. Queta's performance was historic, as he became the first player since 1995 to record at least 20 points and 15 rebounds in their EuroBasket debut.

Conclusion

Serbia's commanding win, led by Nikola Jokic, sets a strong tone for their EuroBasket campaign. With a roster featuring five active NBA players and seven former NBA players, Serbia is a formidable contender for the championship.