The 2024 Olympic quarterfinals witnessed a breathtaking showdown as Nikola Jokic led Serbia to a 95-90 overtime victory against Australia. Jokic's outstanding performance was nothing short of heroic, featuring 24 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists, and four steals. His contributions on both ends of the floor were instrumental in Serbia's miraculous comeback from a 24-point deficit, the largest in Olympic history, securing them a spot in at least the bronze-medal game.
A Historic Comeback
Trailing by a significant margin, Serbia's resilience and determination shone through in the latter stages of the game. With Jokic as the driving force, Serbia clawed their way back into contention, culminating in a pulsating overtime period. Jokic's influence was undeniably pivotal during this critical phase. In the extra period, he scored four points, made two crucial steals, grabbed two rebounds, provided one assist, and blocked one shot, playing a key role in every facet of the game.
Heroics in Overtime
Jokic's mastery on the court was on full display during overtime. His drive-and-kick maneuver set up Ognjen Dobric for a critical three-pointer, while his defensive prowess was marked by blocking a Patty Mills layup—a play that is legal in international play but would have been considered goaltending in the NBA. Jokic also had another pivotal block against the young Australian star, Josh Giddey, ensuring Serbia maintained their edge.
A Game Decided by Milliseconds
The end of regulation time was marked by high drama. Patty Mills, who combined with Giddey for 51 points, hit a remarkable fadeaway jumper to tie the game, pushing the contest into overtime. Jokic, however, was not to be outdone. In a decisive moment, he stole the ball back from Mills after a crucial turnover in the dying seconds of regulation, setting the stage for his continued dominance in overtime.
Defining Moments
During the extra period, Jokic's feats continued to pile up. He tied the game with a perfectly executed jump hook, and then later knocked down a one-foot fallaway jumper, giving Serbia a lead they wouldn't relinquish. His defensive acumen shone through again when he secured a key rebound after a missed Jack McVeigh jumper, effectively sealing the game for Serbia.
A Celebrated MVP
Jokic's performance in the Olympics comes on the heels of his stellar NBA career, where he has won three of the last four MVP awards. His leadership and exceptional play have been central to Serbia's success on the international stage, and this latest victory underscores his status as one of the game's premier talents.
Serbia's triumph against Australia is a testament to the team's resilience and grit. Their incredible comeback and Jokic's clutch performance will be remembered as one of the defining moments of this year's Olympic basketball tournament. Serbia now awaits the winner of the USA vs. Brazil game in the semifinals, with their sights set on further glory.
As the Olympic fervor continues, one thing is clear: Nikola Jokic and Team Serbia have etched their names into the annals of basketball history with a performance that will be talked about for years to come.