BELGRADE, August 6, 2025 — Nikola Jokić made a powerful return to Serbia’s national basketball team, falling just one assist short of a triple-double in a commanding 126–89 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in a closed-door scrimmage at Belgrade Arena. The match marked Serbia’s first preparation game ahead of EuroBasket 2025, and if this performance is any indication, the Olympic bronze medalists are ready to contend for European gold.

While the game was not open to the public and official stats were not released, sources close to the team revealed that Jokić tallied 20 points, 19 rebounds, and 9 assists — a signature performance by the two-time NBA MVP and reigning Olympic medalist.

The win came just days after Serbia clinched bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics, signaling that Head Coach Svetislav Pešić’s squad is carrying its strong momentum into the European campaign.

Serbia Sends a Message

Despite it being a friendly scrimmage, Serbia approached the game with intensity from the tip-off. After a competitive opening quarter, the home side surged ahead in the second, riding a wave of aggressive defense and crisp ball movement to build a comfortable lead that only expanded as the game went on.

With Jokić at the helm, Serbia’s offense was surgical. The Denver Nuggets superstar operated as a point center, orchestrating plays, stretching the floor, and dominating the boards. His nearly flawless chemistry with his teammates was on full display — particularly in transition and pick-and-roll situations.

Filip Petrušev, who recently signed with Crvena Zvezda, matched Jokić’s scoring output with 20 points of his own, while Tristan Vukčević chipped in 14 points, further showcasing Serbia’s impressive frontcourt depth.

Bosnia Struggles Despite Strong Performances

While Bosnia and Herzegovina were outmatched for much of the game, they still had a few bright spots. Amar Alibegović led the Bosnian offense with 22 points, followed closely by Džanan Musa with 21 and Aleksandar Lazić with 17. However, the team couldn’t contain Serbia’s overwhelming size and efficiency on both ends of the court.

Bosnia’s perimeter defense, in particular, faltered under Serbia’s relentless passing and shot-making. The combination of Jokic’s playmaking and Serbia’s floor spacing created mismatches that Bosnia failed to adjust to, especially in the second and third quarters when the lead ballooned.

Jokić’s Return Sparks High Expectations

This was Nikola Jokić’s first appearance for Serbia since the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where he opted out to rest. His decision to return for the 2024 Olympics and now EuroBasket 2025 has reinvigorated both fans and teammates alike.

Now 30 years old, Jokić seems to be embracing his role as the face and leader of the Serbian national team. His presence not only boosts the team’s chances of winning but also elevates the confidence and performance levels of the supporting cast.

With Jokić in the lineup, Serbia boasts a rare mix of NBA experience, young talent, and veteran coaching. Under the guidance of Svetislav Pešić, a legend in European basketball, the squad is being molded into a serious title contender — with EuroBasket 2025 in Berlin as the ultimate target.

What’s Next for Serbia?

This dominant performance is only the first step in a series of warm-up games Serbia has scheduled in the lead-up to the European championship. Although unofficial, the result is a strong indicator of where the team stands and where it’s heading.

Serbia is expected to face tougher tests in the coming weeks against other European heavyweights like Spain, France, and Lithuania — fixtures that will offer clearer insights into the team’s readiness for high-stakes competition.

Fans are already buzzing over the possibility of a gold medal showdown later this year, especially with teams like France (led by Victor Wembanyama) and Greece (with Giannis Antetokounmpo) also fielding stacked rosters.

Conclusion

As the EuroBasket 2025 countdown begins, Serbia’s opening act has delivered a bold statement — one that echoes across the continent. With Nikola Jokić back in national colors and nearly posting a triple-double in his return, Serbia looks every bit like a championship-caliber squad.

Though it’s just a warm-up, the 126–89 dismantling of Bosnia is a promising sign of things to come. If Jokić and company continue to play at this level, Europe had better be ready.