Two NBA superstars went head-to-head in an international exhibition game.
It was the game that the Serbian basketball president boasted could sell out 100,000 spectators, the showdown between Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic.
Unlike when Serbia faced Greece and Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out, both Jokic and Doncic took to the court for the friendly matchup.
In the end the game did not live up to the hype. It was a true exhibition game, and it was one-sided in Serbia’s favor.
Thankfully for both Denver Nuggets and LA Lakers fans, both Jokic and Doncic came through without any injuries.
Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty ImagesSerbia beat Slovenia with ease
Serbia led the game by double-digits throughout the contest and were simply too good for rivals Slovenia. They won in the end 106-72,
Nikola Jokic did not even have to be at his best, the three-time NBA MVP scored only six points by half-time, with Doncic managing 12.
At the end of the game, Jokic had scored 10 points, posted 7 rebounds, and added 4 assists and 2 steals.
Doncic scored 17 points, had 7 rebounds and 4 assists, but it was not enough, on a weaker Slovenian team.
His shooting was inefficient, recording 4-for-18 from the field and just 2-for-10 from three.
Both teams are preparing for the EuroBasket tournament, which tips off in one week’s time.
Erik Spoelstra was special guest
Among the 18,000 spectators in Belgrade, a very special guest was in attendance, NBA head coach Erik Spoelstra.
Spoelstra was paying a visit to check in on Miami Heat star Nikola Jovic, who was representing Serbia.
Jovic outscored Jokic, ending the game with an impressive 18 points.
24 hours earlier Spoelstra had been in Sweden to watch Pelle Larsson play for his country against Estonia.