PARIS OLYMPICS 2024: Serbia superstar Nikola Jokic to take on Boomers as knockout stage begins
The Boomers have already fallen short against teams led by two of the world’s best players and they will face another huge individual challenge in their quarter-final match-up with Serbia tonight.
Nikola “The Joker” Jokic, who has strong claims on being the best player in the world, has been one of the best performers in Paris so far, having averaged 18.7 points, 11.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game across his three outings in the pool stage.
He led his side to a second-placed finish in their group behind the all-conquering USA.
His accolades at NBA level include three league MVP awards, a finals MVP award as his Denver Nuggets won the championship in 2022 and five all-league first team selections.
Camera IconNikola Jokic will present another huge challenge for the Boomers. Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Having opened their tournament with a 92-80 win over Spain, the Boomers went down 93-83 to a talent-laden Canada outfit led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander before losing 77-71 to a Greece side featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Boomers struggled to contain both superstars, with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 21 points on a phenomenal eight-for-10 shooting performance before Antetokounmpo produced a 26-point, seven-rebound, six-assist effort.
The losses left the Boomers third in their group and with a nervous wait on whether they would progress to the knockout stages, which was eventually sealed by Canada beating Spain.
Camera IconGiannis Antetokounmpo dominated the Boomers. Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Jokic’s third NBA MVP award was won last season by beating out Gilgeous-Alexander in second, while two-time winner Antetokounmpo finished fourth.
Centre Jock Landale, who has been one of Australia’s best players at the Games, will likely be tasked with the Serbian superstar as his primary defensive assignment.
But the rest of the team’s plan to deal with Jokic remains in flux, with former Perth Wildcat Nick Kay under pressure to retain his starting spot after a shaky tournament to date and coach Brian Goorjian so far persisting with Will Magnay over WA’s Duop Reath in the backup centre spot.
Camera IconLILLE, FRANCE – AUGUST 02: Jock Landale #13 of Team Australia dunks the ball during the Men’s Group Phase – Group A match between Team Australia and Team Greece on day seven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade Pierre Mauroy on August 02, 2024 in Lille, France. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Another major threat from Serbia will come in the form of Atlanta Hawks sharp-shooter Bodgan Bogdanovic, who is pacing the team in scoring at 19.0 points per game having made a scorching 52.9 per cent of his three-point attempts.
The two other NBA players in their squad are Charlotte Hornets guard Vasilije Micic and Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic.
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