Nikola Jokic stats today: How did Serbia star center perform against Team USA?

Nikola Jokic and Serbia faced the hardest challenge of the 2024 Paris Olympic basketball tournament on Thursday. The Denver Nuggets star lost the prior two matchups against Team USA, one in the pre-Olympic exhibition games and the third game of Group C in the first round.

Jokic and company were on a mission to start the game, taking the first quarter 31-23. The Joker scored six points in the first period, starting the game with a dunk after a little more than one minute into the duel. He scored three more points in the second quarter while channeling his Denver Nuggets version, grabbing three rebounds and dishing seven assists in 18 minutes of action.

Aleksa Avramovic took care of the scoring with 15 points in the first half, leaving more room for Jokic to focus on different parts of the game. Serbia finished the first half up 54-43.

Jokic only scored two points in the third quarter of the game. Team USA made the adjustments and the defense was more intense on the Nuggets star. He still tried to be a facilitator, as his shots didn't fall and Team USA threatened to get close in the third period.

Nikola Jokic started the fourth quarter with a tough and-1 against Devin Booker, as Serbia held on to its lead. The center finished with 17 points after struggling to make an impact in the second half. He shot for 41% from the field while missing all six attempts from 3-point range. He added five rebounds and 11 assists to his account.

Dirk Nowitzki notes a difference between his signature move and Nikola Jokic's

Ahead of the Team USA vs Serbia game, Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki talked about Nikola Jokic's signature move and how different it is from his fadeaway move.

"It was tough, and you know what he does? He does it over the right side and does it with the right leg, he jumps off the right leg, which I could never do. I always felt more comfortable fading this way, jumping off the left leg over my right shoulder. But he turned over the other shoulder. I mean, tough shot," Nowitzki said.

Dirk praised Jokic's game, calling it 'amazing.' The Serbian center has been one of the best players in the world for a hot minute and as the days go by, he gets more praise.