EuroBasket 2025 tipped off with fireworks, and Serbia wasted no time reminding everyone why they’re considered one of the top contenders for gold. Facing Estonia in their Group Stage opener, the Serbians dismantled their opponents 98–64, a statement victory built on depth, precision, and star power. But guess what, Nikola Jokic didn’t steal the entire spotlight; there was someone with him.

It was a complete performance from start to finish. Serbia jumped out to a 32-12 lead after the first quarter, effectively killing the suspense early. By halftime, the gap had widened further, and the final scoreline reflected not only Serbia’s dominance but also their intent for the rest of the tournament.

In fact, the 34-point margin tied for the ninth-largest EuroBasket victory in the 21st century and marked Serbia’s biggest EuroBasket win in history. Along the way, they also tied their own single-game record for assists with 32, matching a mark they first set against Iceland in 2015.

As if Serbia’s display wasn’t impressive enough, there was a moment courtside that drew just as much attention. Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic received a special greeting after the final buzzer. Denver Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke was in attendance and made his way to congratulate his superstar.

It was a sight that captured the essence of international basketball: Jokic, the undisputed hub of the Serbian national team, sharing a proud postgame moment with the man who oversees his NBA franchise. Kroenke’s presence sent a clear message, not just about Jokic’s impact on Serbia’s chances, but also about how highly valued he is in Denver, even in the offseason spotlight of EuroBasket.

The Nuggets’ big man more than justified the trip. In just 23 minutes on the floor, Nikola Jokic nearly delivered a triple-double, finishing with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists while posting an incredible +39 plus/minus. He didn’t even need to dominate the scoring column; instead, he controlled the pace, set up teammates, and anchored the defense, exactly what Serbia needed in a one-sided opener.

While all eyes naturally fall on Jokic whenever Serbia plays, it was his 22-year-old teammate who truly stole the headlines. Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic erupted for a game-high 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including a sizzling 3-of-4 from deep. He added 4 rebounds and 6 assists, posting a team-high PIR of 26.

Jovic did most of his damage early, scoring 12 first-quarter points, matching Estonia’s entire output in that period. His energy and versatility were a perfect complement to Jokic’s orchestration, showing why Serbia’s roster is considered one of the deepest in the tournament.

This isn’t the first time Jovic has drawn comparisons, or even confusion, with his more famous countryman. Heat fans have already seen flashes of his scoring ability in the NBA, but on the international stage, he looked like a rising star ready to make a name for himself alongside Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic.

Beyond Jokic and Jovic, Serbia showcased just how balanced they can be. Aleksa Avramovic scored 13 points while chipping in 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Filip Petrusev was efficient with 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting. Bogdan Bogdanovic added 11 points to go along with 7 assists, proving once again why he remains one of the team’s most consistent contributors.

The best part? Every single Serbian player got on the scoresheet. That kind of balance makes them an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses. Coach Svetislav Pesic’s squad didn’t just rely on star power; they executed their game plan, moved the ball beautifully, and kept fresh legs on the court.

As Petrusev explained afterward: “We took the match seriously. We respected our principles on the court. We shut down their strongest weapon, which is the three-point shot. We deservedly celebrated at the end.”

Estonia Left Searching for Answers

For Estonia, it was a night where little came easy. Former NBA forward Henri Drell led the team with 11 points on 5-of-11 shooting, while Artur Konontsuk chipped in 10. Kaspar Treier and Kristian Kullamae added 8 apiece, but Estonia simply couldn’t cope with Serbia’s size, depth, and ball movement.

They were limited to just 64 points, including a meager 12 in the first quarter and 15 in the third. By then, the contest was long decided.

This opener only confirmed what many already suspected: Serbia has all the tools to claim EuroBasket gold. With Jokic orchestrating, Bogdanovic providing experience and shot-making, and young Nikola Jovic emerging as a legitimate scoring option, the roster looks both top-heavy with talent and well-rounded in support.

It’s worth noting that Serbia also tied their second-best ever performance in assists with 32 dimes, just one shy of their all-time high of 33, which also happened to come against Estonia back in 2001. The ball movement was crisp, unselfish, and relentless, the kind of hallmark that championship teams build on.

And then, of course, there’s the Jokic factor. Every possession runs smoother when Nikola Jokic is on the court, and even in limited minutes, his fingerprints were all over this win. His presence alone forces defenses into tough choices, opening space for teammates like Jovic to thrive.

Serbia’s 98-64 thrashing of Estonia wasn’t just another group stage win. It was a statement of intent, a reminder that when Jokic, Jovic, and Bogdanovic all click, there are very few nations capable of slowing them down.

For Nuggets fans, seeing Nikola Jokic greeted warmly by owner Josh Kroenke after the game was a proud moment, a bridge between NBA dominance and international brilliance. For Serbian fans, it was reassurance that their MVP is locked in and surrounded by teammates ready to shine.

The real question is: if Nikola Jovic continues to perform at this level alongside Jokic and Bogdanovic, is there anyone in EuroBasket 2025 who can realistically stop Serbia from marching all the way to gold? Share your thoughts below.