Jokic Wins Battle of Giants: Serbia Defeats Wembanyama's France in Belgrade

Summer friendlies rarely make headlines, but when Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama clash, the word 'friendly' falls short. Serbia defeated France 90-87 in a packed Belgrade Arena in preparation for the next FIBA window, and the duel of titans had a clear winner.

Jokic, doing his thing

The Serbian center controlled the game from start to finish: 20 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and three steals for a rating of 33, nearly a triple-double at August pace. Across the court, Wembanyama had one of those nights that reminds you he's still growing: ten points, five rebounds and six turnovers against the defense up front and the constant help that Svetislav Pesic's team... sorry, Serbia's team prepared for him, as the coach is directing another bench this summer.

A real game-ending sequence

The script seemed settled early. Serbia entered the final quarter leading 72-62 and went up by twelve with just over three minutes remaining, but France responded with a run that tightened the score to 88-85. The possession for the tie fell where it had to, in Wembanyama's hands, and his three-pointer didn't fall. Serbia closed it out from the free throw line.

There will be an immediate rematch: the two teams face off again on August 23 in Orleans, already on French soil.