Serbia entered EuroBasket 2025 as one of the most feared contenders for the title, and on opening night in Riga, they wasted no time reminding everyone why. Behind a controlled and commanding performance led by Nikola Jokić, Bogdan Bogdanović, Nikola Jović, and a deep supporting cast, Serbia dismantled Estonia with a resounding 98-64 victory. It was a statement win that set the tone for their campaign, blending star power with team-oriented basketball in vintage Serbian fashion.

Jokić Shines in Limited Minutes

The spotlight inevitably fell on Nikola Jokić, the three-time NBA MVP who is regarded as the most dominant player in international basketball today. Despite playing only 23 minutes, Jokić made his presence felt on both ends of the court. He finished with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, just three assists shy of a triple-double, while also posting a remarkable +39 plus-minus rating, showcasing his ability to completely tilt the game in Serbia’s favor whenever he was on the floor.

His efficiency and unselfishness epitomized Serbia’s approach: move the ball, find the open man, and exploit mismatches. Even without needing to push himself to the limit, Jokić displayed the kind of all-around brilliance that makes Serbia such a daunting opponent.

Nikola Jović Emerges as the Star of the Game

While Jokić anchored the team, it was Nikola Jović who stole the headlines. The 21-year-old forward from the Miami Heat showcased why he is considered one of Serbia’s brightest young talents. Jović scored a team-high 18 points while also contributing six assists and four rebounds. His versatility on both ends and ability to create plays earned him a Performance Index Rating (PIR) of 26, the highest in the game.

Jović’s emergence as a reliable secondary option alongside Jokić and Bogdanović could prove pivotal for Serbia as the tournament progresses. His blend of confidence, skill, and energy adds another dimension to a squad already brimming with talent.

Balanced Contributions Across the Roster

Serbia’s depth was on full display as all 12 players on the roster scored against Estonia, a testament to the team-first mentality instilled by head coach Svetislav Pešić.

Filip Petrušev added 12 points while anchoring the paint.

Bogdan Bogdanović, the Atlanta Hawks sharpshooter and team captain, chipped in with 11 points, controlling the tempo when needed.

Aleksa Avramović contributed 13 points, providing instant energy off the bench.

The balance of scoring underscored Serbia’s versatility. This wasn’t just about one superstar—it was a collective dismantling of an opponent, with Serbia demonstrating that they can beat teams in multiple ways.

Record-Breaking Victory

Beyond the impressive individual performances, Serbia’s win carried historical significance. The 32-point margin of victory was the largest in the country’s EuroBasket history. Even more impressive, Serbia tallied 32 assists, the second-highest total ever in their tournament history. The only time they surpassed that mark was back in 2001, when they dished out 33 assists—ironically, also against Estonia.

Such numbers highlight Serbia’s efficiency and commitment to team basketball. With Jokić orchestrating the offense and his teammates executing to perfection, Serbia’s passing game looked unstoppable.

Estonia Struggles Despite Effort

For Estonia, the night was always going to be difficult against a powerhouse like Serbia. To their credit, they fought hard and had moments of resistance, but Serbia’s talent gap was simply too overwhelming.

Henri Drell led the way with 11 points.

Artur Konontsuk added 10 points.

Despite their efforts, Estonia struggled to generate consistent offense, particularly from beyond the arc—the very weapon Serbia made it a point to neutralize. The Estonian team was stifled by Serbia’s disciplined defense, which took away their primary strengths and left them without effective alternatives.

Serbian Mindset: Respect and Focus

After the game, Filip Petrušev praised the team’s discipline and approach:
“We took the match seriously. We respected our principles on the court. We shut down their strongest weapon, which is the three-point shot. We deservedly celebrated at the end.”

His comments reflected Serbia’s maturity and commitment. Unlike some favorites who might underestimate lower-ranked opponents in early rounds, Serbia treated Estonia with respect, executed their game plan, and ensured no surprises occurred.

Road Ahead: Serbia’s Golden Ambitions

This dominant start only strengthens the belief that Serbia could go all the way at EuroBasket 2025. With Jokić leading the charge, Bogdanović providing veteran leadership, and rising stars like Jović stepping up, Serbia boasts a blend of experience, talent, and depth unmatched by most competitors.

The team’s ability to share the ball and involve every player makes them difficult to game-plan against. Opponents can’t focus solely on Jokić because Serbia has numerous scoring options across the floor. Additionally, their defensive execution against Estonia showed that they are just as committed on the other end of the court, an attribute essential for championship runs.

Conclusion

Serbia’s 98-64 win over Estonia was more than just an opening-night victory—it was a statement to the rest of Europe. With Nikola Jokić orchestrating, Nikola Jović emerging as a rising star, and the entire roster contributing, Serbia looked every bit the powerhouse they were predicted to be.

The win set new records, demonstrated discipline, and confirmed that Serbia is locked in on its ultimate goal: winning EuroBasket 2025 gold. If their opening performance is anything to go by, it will take a monumental effort from any opponent to derail them.

For now, Serbia has started their journey in perfect fashion—dominant, efficient, and united. And if they keep playing at this level, the road to the EuroBasket crown might just run straight through them.