Nikola Jokic, the three-time NBA MVP and centerpiece of the Denver Nuggets, put on a masterclass performance as Team Serbia defeated Team Greece 76-66 in a warm-up clash at the ECOMMBX Cup in Limassol. While fans had been eager to see Jokic face off against Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time NBA MVP and star of the Milwaukee Bucks, that head-to-head battle will have to wait — Giannis sat out the contest and is expected to save his return for the official EuroBasket tournament.

A Missing Greek Superstar

The absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo naturally took away some of the marquee excitement, but it also provided Serbia with a chance to focus on fine-tuning their own game plan without the defensive nightmare that the Greek forward presents. Antetokounmpo’s absence was precautionary, as he is expected to participate once EuroBasket’s competitive games begin. His brother, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, was present and contributing for Team Greece, but without the “Greek Freak,” their offensive options were noticeably more limited.

Greece will also face Team Israel, led by Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers, as part of the ECOMMBX Cup schedule. That contest will give them a better opportunity to adjust before EuroBasket tips off.

Jokic’s All-Around Brilliance

Jokic’s performance was nothing short of dominant. The Serbian big man delivered a 23-point, 19-rebound double-double while also dishing out four assists. His impact was felt in all phases of the game — scoring efficiently, controlling the glass, and orchestrating offense from the high post in typical Jokic fashion.

From the middle of the second quarter onward, Team Serbia largely controlled the game. Their ball movement and disciplined defense kept Greece at bay, even as the Greek squad mounted a late push. At one point, Greece clawed back to within three points, raising hopes of a comeback. But when the game tightened, Serbia’s composure and Jokic’s leadership became the difference.

Key Moments That Sealed the Win

The turning point came late in the fourth quarter when Aleksa Avramovic of the Dubai Basketball club drained a clutch three-pointer, halting Greece’s momentum. That shot effectively ended their hopes of a rally. Avramovic’s timely bucket was a testament to Serbia’s depth, showing they are more than just the Jokic show.

Supporting performances also played a role in Serbia’s success. Nikola Jovic of the Miami Heat and Bogdan Bogdanovic of the L.A. Clippers each contributed nine points, spacing the floor and creating offensive balance. This diversified scoring ensured that Greece could not simply load up their defense against Jokic.

Greece’s Bright Spot

Despite the loss, Dinos Mitoglou was a major positive for Team Greece. The 6-foot-11 Panathinaikos power forward/center paced his team with 18 points, showing a mix of inside presence and mid-range shooting touch. However, the Greek squad struggled to maintain scoring consistency without Giannis drawing defensive attention.

Thanasis Antetokounmpo brought his trademark energy and hustle, but the offensive gap left by his brother’s absence was too significant to overcome against a team as well-drilled as Serbia.

Jokic’s Historic NBA Season Sets the Stage

This performance from Jokic is a continuation of what has been one of the most remarkable stretches in modern basketball. In the 2024-25 NBA season, the Serbian star led the Denver Nuggets to a 50-32 record despite limited roster depth. His statistical output was historic: 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, 1.8 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game on highly efficient .576/.417/.800 shooting splits.

Most notably, Jokic became the first center in NBA history to average a triple-double over an entire season. He joined elite company as only the third player overall to accomplish this feat, alongside Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook. Westbrook, the 2017 NBA MVP and Jokic’s former Denver teammate, has achieved the triple-double season milestone four times, but Jokic’s version stands out for its combination of efficiency, size, and playmaking from the frontcourt.

Why This Matters for EuroBasket

The ECOMMBX Cup is, at its core, a warm-up tournament, but these games carry strategic value. Teams use them to refine rotations, build chemistry, and test tactical adjustments before the real competition begins. For Serbia, getting this kind of dominant outing from Jokic, while also integrating contributions from role players, is a strong sign heading into EuroBasket.

For Greece, the main takeaway is the need to find reliable secondary scoring options. When Giannis returns, their offense will naturally improve, but they cannot rely solely on his ability to dominate. Establishing rhythm for players like Mitoglou and Thanasis will be essential if they want to go deep in the tournament.

The Anticipated Jokic vs. Giannis Showdown

Fans across the basketball world are still waiting for a high-stakes showdown between Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the EuroBasket context. Both players are multiple-time NBA MVPs, widely regarded as two of the best in the world, and their differing styles — Jokic’s surgical, pass-first dominance versus Giannis’s explosive, downhill attack — would make for a fascinating battle.

If the tournament bracket allows, a Serbia vs. Greece clash with both stars on the floor would instantly become one of the most anticipated games of EuroBasket 2025. For now, this warm-up serves as a tantalizing preview of what could come.

Looking Ahead

As EuroBasket draws closer, Team Serbia looks like one of the early favorites. Their combination of Jokic’s world-class play, veteran leadership, and solid supporting cast could make them extremely difficult to beat. Greece, on the other hand, will be eager to integrate Giannis back into the fold and see how their roster responds to the return of their leader.

One thing is certain: if Nikola Jokic maintains this level of dominance, Serbia will not only be a contender — they may be the team to beat. And if fate aligns for a showdown with Giannis and Greece, fans might finally get the international superstar battle they’ve been craving.