Nikola Jokic leads Serbia past Netherlands in his EuroBasket debut / News - Basketnews.com

Nikola Jokic debuted in EuroBasket with 19 points and 6 rebounds in 21.5 playing minutes.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Serbia opened EuroBasket 2022 group stage with a convincing 100-76 (31-21, 20-17, 24-23, 25-15) victory over the Netherlands in Prague, Czech Republic.

Nikola Jokic and Vanja Marinkovic powered Serbia to a strong 13-4 start. Eventually, the Balkan powerhouse was 12 points ahead (25-13), as Serbia's lead grew up to 17 points (38-21) at the start of the second quarter.

Both teams were separated by 13 (51-38) at halftime but the Netherlands returned to the game in the third quarter with a 13-5 push (51-56).

However, their success was temporary. Micic-Jokic-Lucic trio pushed Serbia in front by 16 points after a 14-3 spurt (70-54). Later, Serbia controlled the game and came on top.

Nikola Jokic played his first EuroBasket game ever. The reigning NBA MVP posted 19 points (7/9 2PT, 1/4 3PT, 2/2 FT), 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 turnover, 1 steal, and a team-high 24 EFF in 21.5 playing minutes.

Vasilije Micic aided his pick-and-roll partner with a double-double of 15 points (3/5 2PT, 2/5 3PT, 3/3 FT), 1 rebound, 12 assists, and 23 EFF.

Serbia: Nikola Jokic 19 (6 REB, 4 AST), Vanja Marinkovic 18, Vasilije Micic 15 (12 AST), Dusan Ristic 11 (6 REB), Nikola Kalinic 10.

Netherlands: Worthy De Jong 28, Keye Van Der Vuurst De Vries 11.

Game highlights

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