Is Nikola Jokic playing at the 2023 FIBA World Cup? At least that’s what it looked like during Team Serbia’s most recent matchup in the tournament. Team Serbia took on Team South Sudan for their third matchup in the World Cup. They carried their dominance so far, handing the Sudanese contingent a humiliating 32-point loss. However, a 20-year-old starlet outshined their victory, making fans reminiscent of The Joker on the national side. But just before the FIBA World Cup kicked off this month, Nikola Jokic announced his absence from the tournament.

His remarkable championship run with the Denver Nuggets last season played a major role in Jokic’s decision. However, Team Serbia’s 20-year-old starlet did not let their side feel his absence by showing out throughout the tournament. His most recent performance in fact, had an uncanny resemblance to the Serbian legend’s stint with the side.

A 20YO starlet parallels Nikola Jokic at the FIBA World Cup

After a grueling NBA season which witnessed him play 69 regular season games, followed by a long postseason, Nikola Jokic opted out of the FIBA World Cup. The physical and mental exhaustion of a historic championship run like his naturally required a great deal of rest to recover from.

However, his 20-year-old Serbian teammate, Nikola Jovic did not let the national side feel his absence. Seems like the two Serbian stars not only share a similarity in their names but also their basketball talent.

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Jovic went off against Team South Sudan, dominating the entire game. He top-scored with 25 points in the game, going 5-for-5 from beyond the arc. The 20-year-old in fact shot a perfect 100% from the field throughout the game. This unbelievable performance from the Miami Heat forward elevated his team’s performance, eventually cruising to victory.

Nikola Jovic stunned the crowd at the Araneta Coliseum as Team Serbia stormed past Team South Sudan. However, the Heat forward has impressed throughout the tournament, maybe just not to this extent.

In Absence of NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic, Can 20YO NameSake Nikola Jovic Lead His Nation?

He put up scores of 9 points with 3/6 shooting and 17 points in his previous encounters. With this performance, he established his dominance in the event. This also sent fans into a frenzy who took to X to hail the 20-year-old.

Jovic leaves the basketball world spellbound

Nikola Jovic not only dominated the game against Team South Sudan but also drew parallels with reigning NBA Finals MVP, Nikola Jokic. Fans could not get enough of Jovic’s basketball brilliance as they hailed the 20-year-old on X.

Fans claimed that Team Serbia has cooked up another basketball sensation.

Some stated that Jovic proved his worth in this game.

In fact, some users drew parallels to the late great Kobe Bryant.

Fans also seemed excited for the Heat Nation.

Meanwhile, some threw shade at Jokic while praising the 20-year-old.

Nikola Jovic not just impressed fans but also helped his team storm into the knockout stages of the FIBA World Cup. His brilliance led his team to the top spot in Group B with just one more fixture in the group stages to go.

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Although Team Serbia miss The Joker dearly, Jovic’s performances so far have made him the most important piece in their roster. Going into the knockout stages, Jovic’s services would prove crucial to their success in the tournament.