FIBA Issues Double Punishment to Nikola Jokic’s Teammate as Serbia Suffer Early EuroBasket Setback

A perfect start so far, as the Serbians want to get over the embarrassing 9th finish in the previous edition. Nikola Jokic recorded a double-double on Wednesday as Serbia rolled past Estonia, 98-64, on the opening day of EuroBasket. But in the second game against a tougher opponent in Portugal, things weren’t that easy. To make matters worse, two of Joker’s teammates had to leave the hardwood. One was due to injury, and the other was due to a reckless action, which did not go unpunished.

The Serbian Captain, Bogdan Bogdanovic, suffered a hamstring issue and was unable to play in the second half. But he is not the one who got the punishment; it was Filip Petrusev who was ejected at 5:48 in the first quarter for his foul on Portugal’s Diogo Brito. Hours later, the FIBA Disciplinary Panel has imposed the following sanctions in accordance with FIBA regulations. First, a suspension of one FIBA official game, suspended for a probationary period of three years. Second, a monetary fine of EUR 5000 (five thousand euros).

Petrusev had played just 4 minutes and 15 seconds at that point, scoring 2 points before being sent to the locker room. It was Nikola Jovic, who sank one in from a three-pointer and had given the team a 9-7 lead. At the time, Petrusev was trying to win the rebound, but was effectively blocked by Brito. But the former swung his arm and struck the Portuguese in his stomach/chest. First, it was a foul, which was upgraded further after the review, and Petrusev was ejected from the game.

Like any other fines and suspension, even this comes with extra care that Petrusev has to follow. “If the player commits the same or similar offence during the probationary period, he will be suspended for one game, in addition to any new sanctions imposed for the new offence“. Despite his early ejection, and an injury to Bogdanovic, Nikola Jokic led the Serbian players with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists. If anybody is counting, that’s another double-double.

Despite being struck early in the game, Diogo Brito led Portugal with 22 points, but wasn’t able to inspire Portugal to a win. Now, they have a 1-1 record after they claimed their first EuroBasket victory in over 18 years. And now will face Turkey in their next game. After the game, he spoke about the incident and shared a softer stance than the Serbian coach.

Despite Nikola Jokic in his ranks, Svetislav Pesic fires a warning to the team

Talking about the incident, Brito shared, “It’s true that I did a very hard box-out on him, but I still think it was just a basketball play.” The Portuguese star felt sorry for his opponent but said on the record to BasketNews that he indeed received a gut punch. “I think his reaction was a bit hotheaded, and he did punch me in the stomach. I’m sorry that he was ejected, but that’s the referee’s decision. There’s not much I can do about it,” he added. Unnecessary and reckless, as some might say about Petrusev’s actions.

Even his head coach did not mince his words about the situation. “This is not a matter of discipline. A Serbian national team player must not allow such things—that is forbidden. We will forgive him now, because it happens. A Serbian national team player must not create such incidents, and we hope that Filip has learned something from this.” The coach was upset because the team was not at its fluid best. Every time they tried to pull away, the persistent Portuguese fought back.

Even after the third quarter, the score was 64-49 in favor of the Serbians. A fifteen-point lead is enough for the win, right? The complacency kicked in, and it was Portugal who won the fourth quarter 20-16. That’s why Pesic was animated and demanded better from his team. “Everyone saw the game. I think that if you don’t have enough focus, then you cannot play. We were not ready to play tonight.” He concluded with the same sentiment, “I already said, we were not ready for this game”.

Next up for the Serbians and Nikola Jokic is a game against Turkey, and interestingly, both teams are unbeaten so far. With a streak on the line and players missing, the pressure and the spotlight will once again be on Nikola Jokic.