By Stefan Acevski/ info@eurohoops.net
Serbia secured an important victory in the World Cup qualifiers by defeating Italy 76-64 on the road.
Nikola Jokic was somewhat below his usual performance, with eight points and eight rebounds, which is below his averages, but the reason is now known.
Serbia’s coach Dusan Alimpijevic revealed at the post-match press conference that Nikola had been very ill for the past three days, was on an IV drip, but refused to give up and ultimately helped the team.
“One of the most important things is that everyone played at their maximum and gave their best. But this gentleman, who was here just a second ago and is the captain of this team, was very, very sick for the last three days. He refused to give up and leave this team. He came to play, never complained to us, and did what he did. We are so proud to have a captain like him.”
Serbia is now in second place in Group J with a 6-2 record and is close to securing a spot in the World Cup, while Italy is in third place with a 5-3 record.
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