Nikola Milutinov after loss to Germany: 'I take full responsibility' / News - Basketnews.com

After previously dominating in the tournament, Milutinov scored just two points and grabbed four rebounds in the final. Following the painful loss, the center took full responsibility for not playing his best but admitted that it's a big achievement for the Serbian team.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Led by Aleksa Avramovic, Serbia mounted a fiery comeback in the fourth quarter, but it wasn't enough to beat Germany in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final. One player was having an underwhelming game - Nikola Milutinov.

Player of the Game EFF 26 Daniel Theis Points 21 Accuracy 10-15 Rebounds 7 Assists 2

The Serbian center, who dominated the entire tournament even when facing NBA centers like Jonas Valanciunas, was mostly stopped by the German defense. After previously averaging 13.6 points and 9 rebounds for 21.4 EFF, he scored just two points and grabbed four boards in the final.

Following a painful loss, the big man took full responsibility for not showing his best performance when it mattered the most.

"It's a big thing being second in the world, especially with the team we came here. Still, it's difficult when you lose in the final. I had to play better. I take full responsibility," he said. "I was not at the level I was playing in this tournament. I'm feeling terrible right now, but I'm proud of my guys for being in a position to take the silver medal. It's a really big thing."

After a high-scoring first half (49-49), both teams were more defensive-oriented in the second half, with Serbia scoring 10 points in the third quarter and Germany recording 14 in the fourth.

"This is the final, and it's difficult, it's a difficult game. In the second half, everybody started playing better defense. Unfortunately, we gave them the lead in the third quarter. We could get back into the game, but unfortunately, we didn't," Milutinov concluded.

It was the fifth consecutive major international FIBA tournament final that Serbia lost after previously falling in EuroBasket 2009, 2014 World Cup, 2016 World Cup, and EuroBasket 2017.

Germany, meanwhile, won their first-ever FIBA World Cup title.

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