Olympics: Jokic-led Serbia pulls off historic comeback vs. Australia

Photo courtesy of: FIBA

Nikola Jokic and the Serbian basketball team just pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in Olympics basketball history by rallying from a 24-point deficit against Australia on Tuesday, August 6, in France.

The win over the Boomers advanced the Serbians to the semi-finals of the basketball tournament where they will face the winner of later’s USA vs. Brazil quarterfinal matchup.

According to FIBA, no team in an elimination game had ever rallied from being down above 12 points at halftime before. Serbia, down by two dozen at one point, stole the lead by the third period, missed out on closing Australia in the fourth, but sealed the deal in the overtime session.

Jokic finished with an absurd statline: 21 points on 53% FG, 14 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals, and a 2 blocks. He made three key defensive plays on Australia leading-scorer Patty Mills in overtime and hit the two game-sealing baskets for Serbia. Mills sent the game to overtime with an absurd midrange jumper against Jokic, but for the most part of the second half, the latter got the best of the Boomer.

Serbia’s next challenge will be tough against likely the United States, a team they’ve already lost to twice. The win against Australia, however, proves that they are not willing to be pushovers, especially with a 3-time NBA MVP leading the way.

Germany, who earlier beat the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Greece, awaits the victor of Canada vs. home team France.