When Nikola Jokic and the Serbian national team entered EuroBasket 2025, expectations were sky-high. Serbia opened the tournament in commanding fashion, looking like a legitimate favorite to capture the gold medal. But in one of the most stunning results in recent memory, Serbia was upset by Lauri Markkanen and Finland, a defeat that FIBA EuroBasket’s official X (formerly Twitter) account called the “upset of the century.”

Serbia fell 92–86 in a game that shocked the basketball world. Jokic delivered a masterful performance, scoring 33 points and dishing out eight assists, yet Finland’s composure and execution proved too much in the end. The loss left Serbia and Jokic frustrated — but it could quietly set the stage for a massive NBA storyline heading into the 2025–26 season.

A Familiar Pattern That Could Repeat

This isn’t the first time Jokic has experienced international disappointment. In EuroBasket 2022, Serbia also suffered an unexpected elimination. What followed? Jokic returned to the NBA, locked in and highly motivated, and ultimately led the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship.

image_68be56ab6facf UPSET OF THE CENTURY? Finland Stuns Nikola Jokic and Serbia in Shocking Elimination

History doesn’t always repeat itself, but patterns have a way of inspiring confidence. For Denver, watching their superstar return with even more competitive fire could be exactly what they need. The Western Conference is loaded with talent, and defending the throne in today’s NBA requires more than skill — it demands relentless motivation.

And if there’s one thing that fuels champions, it’s heartbreak.

Denver’s Roster is Ready to Compete

Heading into the new season, Denver isn’t the exact same team that captured the title. The Nuggets have made adjustments to improve depth around their core, a necessary step given the intense competition in the West. But the constants remain: Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray will lead the way.

Murray has proven to be the perfect co-star for Jokic, capable of taking over games with elite shot-making while seamlessly complementing the Serbian center’s unmatched playmaking. Together, they’ve built a chemistry that’s rare in today’s league — a duo that thrives in both half-court sets and chaotic fast-break situations.

With additional contributors ready to step up, Denver’s offense should once again revolve around Jokic’s basketball genius, a system that’s been nearly impossible to solve over the past several seasons.

Jokic’s Prime is Still in Full Swing

At 30 years old, Jokic is showing no signs of slowing down. His 2024–25 NBA campaign was nothing short of MVP-caliber. Averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, Jokic dominated every facet of the game.

He ultimately finished second in MVP voting, with Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander narrowly edging him for the award. Even so, many around the league still consider Jokic the best player in basketball today.

His unique combination of scoring efficiency, elite passing vision, and unselfish leadership make him a walking system. The Nuggets’ offensive identity flows through him — and when Jokic is locked in, Denver becomes one of the most dangerous teams in NBA history.

Motivation Could Be the X-Factor

The question now becomes: will Serbia’s devastating loss at EuroBasket translate into something positive for Denver? It’s entirely possible. For a player like Jokic, who takes pride in every competition he plays in, coming up short on the international stage can light a fire that burns through the NBA season.

image_68be56abbb0ee UPSET OF THE CENTURY? Finland Stuns Nikola Jokic and Serbia in Shocking Elimination

A motivated Nikola Jokic is already a nightmare for opposing teams. Add the sting of a shocking defeat, and the rest of the league could be in trouble.

In 2022, Serbia’s early exit was a bitter pill for Jokic, but it fueled him to attack the NBA season with focus and hunger, culminating in championship glory. Nuggets fans can only hope for a repeat — and given Jokic’s history of responding to adversity with dominance, it’s a scenario that feels increasingly realistic.

The Road Ahead

The 2025–26 NBA season promises to be one of the most competitive in years. Powerhouses like the Thunder, Mavericks, Timberwolves, and Warriors remain threats. The Eastern Conference still boasts elite teams like the Celtics and Bucks.

Yet, when Jokic is at his best, Denver has a legitimate claim as the team to beat. His ability to control every possession, to dictate pace, and to elevate everyone around him is unmatched. The Nuggets’ system works not just because of talent, but because Jokic’s leadership makes it sustainable under pressure.

If Serbia’s loss truly ignites Jokic’s competitive drive once again, it could be the spark that powers another deep playoff run — and maybe even brings Denver another championship parade.