The scales tipped frequently, but Serbia suffered a shock they didn’t see coming from Finland. The late-game twist featured back-and-forth lead changes until Elias Valtonen drowned Serbia in the clutch . Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP, looked aggressive, scoring a game-high 33 in an effort that went in vain. That performance hasn’t shielded his rather unappealing tournament.

We are speaking by his standards, of course. By nature, the Joker is the most dangerous card, capable of doing everything on the basketball court. But it was the loss to Turkey in the group stages that led to a realization for an NBA executive. Serbia has qualified already, so there was a looming feeling that they held back. But reality stings for Nikola Jokic.

“I was talking to a guy that I know who’s a Serbian NB

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