Serbia defeated Iceland 102-73 in the opening of the second round of qualifying for the 2027 Qatar World Cup and solidified their position in the qualifying zone with a 5-2 record in Group J. Nikola Jokic delivered one of those performances that doesn't fit in the scoring column: six points, yes, but with 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals in 23 minutes, for a rating of 21.
The game that didn't need scoring
The Denver Nuggets center attempted just seven shots throughout the entire game, simply because it wasn't necessary. With the game decided, the scoring load was distributed among others: Nikola Tanaskovic led all scorers with 23 points, Nikola Jovic added 21 and Marko Guduric contributed 17 points and six assists. For Iceland, Elvar Fridriksson was left alone with his 19.
Jokic himself acknowledged after the game that the start wasn't good. He explained that the team lacked energy early on, though he felt the second quarter and the entire second half were at the required level, according to statements collected by Mozzart Sport.
The previous window had already made clear the form he's in. Jokic posted 22 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists against Switzerland, and a triple-double of 20 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists against Bosnia. Three games, three different stat lines and the same result.
Group J, waiting for Monday
Turkey leads with authority after their 7-0 record and their victory tonight over Lithuania. Behind them, Italy and Serbia share the 5-2 mark and occupy the other two spots that guarantee a ticket to Qatar, with Lithuania, Iceland and Bosnia trailing at 3-4. Only the top three advance.
That's why Monday's game carries so much weight: Serbia visits Italy at 21:30 in the window's finale, a direct duel for second place between two tied teams. Jokic didn't shy away from the subject and admitted that the Italians have beaten them several times in important games, though he assured they're focused and intend to compete at a high level. After that, four more matchdays remain in November and February, with two games against Lithuania and one each against Italy and Iceland.