As the Olympic semifinals approach, basketball fans are bracing for a highly-anticipated clash between Team USA and Serbia. This faceoff marks their third encounter in less than a month, with Team USA having already secured two decisive victories against Serbia—one during pool play and the other in Abu Dhabi. However, this rematch promises to be anything but predictable.
The key to Serbia’s potential to disrupt Team USA’s dominance lies in the hands of Nikola Jokic, a three-time NBA Most Valuable Player and champion. Jokic’s impact on Serbia’s performance is nothing short of monumental. He leads the team in virtually every statistical category, averaging 19.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, while shooting an impressive 60% from the field. With Jokic on the court, Serbia has outscored opponents by 43 points, a stark contrast to being outscored by 12 points when he’s on the bench.
During their last matchup with the U.S., Jokic’s influence was palpable. Over 31 minutes of play, the score remained even. However, in the nine minutes he rested, Team USA surged ahead, outscoring Serbia 29-3. This statistic underscores the challenge facing Serbian coach Svetislav Pesic and his strategic use of Jokic. Pesic, a veteran coach with a gold medal from the 2002 World Championship under his belt, often keeps the ball out of Jokic's hands more than his NBA team, the Denver Nuggets, do. Despite this, in the game in Abu Dhabi, Pesic opted to play Jokic for the entirety of the first three quarters.
The resolve of the Serbian team was on full display in their historic comeback against Australia in the quarterfinals. Trailing by 24 points, they rallied to seize victory in overtime, showcasing their tenacity and potential to challenge any opponent. Jokic again was pivotal, with the team posting a plus-17 with him on the floor and a minus-12 during his seven minutes on the bench.
Adding to Serbia’s offensive arsenal is Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, averaging 18.5 points, shooting 48% from beyond the arc, and 90% from the foul line. This consistent performance from Bogdanovic provides a critical complement to Jokic’s multifaceted game.
Team USA’s Strategy and Preparedness
Despite their previous victories, Team USA's coach Steve Kerr is far from complacent. As he pointed out, "We can't get lulled to sleep because we beat them twice. We have to be prepared for their best effort. We've got to think about what are they going to do differently. Jokic, I guess he could play 40 minutes. What else do they have up their sleeve?"
Echoing Kerr’s sentiment, Joel Embiid acknowledged Team USA’s mental readiness for any adjustments Serbia might make. "I guess we'll be ready for that. If that's what they think they have to do to try to beat us, then they won't hesitate to do that." The implication is clear: Team USA expects a fierce fight and is preparing accordingly.
LeBron James, always a focal point of Team USA's efforts, emphasized the importance of focusing on the upcoming game rather than past victories. "Every game is its own test. No matter what happened in the first two, it's about what goes down Thursday night. So we need to lock in our film session, lock in during the day on Thursday and then come out and be ready to go."
The Makings of a Classic
As Thursday's matchup looms, fans and analysts alike are speculating on whether Serbia can overcome their past losses and if Jokic’s leadership can spark an upset. With a rejuvenated Serbian team riding a three-game winning streak and the tactical acumen of Pesic, the stage is set for a compelling battle. On the other side, Team USA remains an imposing force, underpinned by their depth, experience, and the tactical mindset instilled by Kerr and seasoned players like James and Embiid.
Basketball enthusiasts around the world are eagerly awaiting this high-stakes semifinal, knowing that it's not just about athletic prowess, but also strategy, endurance, and the indomitable will to win.