By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A dominating display for back-to-back NBA MVP Nikola Jokic sends Serbia to the approaching official games on a high note.
Jokic, 27, made 10/11 field goals in a 22-point effort paving the way for the win, 83-56, over Germany in Hamburg Saturday. Also five rebounds, one assist, and one steal in just under 17 minutes. The team coached by Svetislav Pesic finished the 33rd Basketball-Supercup in first place forcing the hosts down to second place.
Anadolu Efes superstar, Vasilije Micic, the MVP of the last two Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Fours and the 2021 season MVP, added 14 points and four assists in the 2022 Supercup final. Injured international teammates Nemanja Nedovic and Nemanja Bjelica were both out.
After three wins in as many friendly games, Germany went to the losing end. Orlando Magic’s Franz Wagner was held to five points. Debuting, national team newcomer Nick Weiler-Babb of FC Bayern Munich put in two points and three assists. Bayern’s Andreas Obst registered a team-high 12 points. Following the last prep game, Karim Jallow of ratiopharm Ulm was cut.
Captain Dennis Schroder was ruled out after picking up an ankle injury in yesterday’s Semifinal. But head coach Gordon Herbert hopes for the free agent point guard to play in next week’s 2023 FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers Group J fixtures versus Sweden and Slovenia. Fellow free agent Niels Giffey is also expected to return as official games take over the schedule.
In contrast, Daniel Theis of the Indiana Pacers will miss both games against Sweden and Slovenia and is questionable to play in the 2022 EuroBasket. Germany is set to welcome France, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lithuania, Slovenia, and Hungary in Cologne, looking to make the next round and compete in the knockout stage of the tournament in Berlin.
As for Serbia, dealing with high expectations, is part of EuroBasket’s Group D. The Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Finland, Israel, and Poland are the opponents in Prague. Next week, a home game against Greece and a visit to Turkey open Group I of the World Cup European Qualifiers.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL