Serbia has gained a bronze medal within the 2024 Paris Olympics. It overcame Germany, who’re the reigning world champions, with a 93-83 victory on Saturday. Germany had been among the many favorites to safe a medal in basketball. Nevertheless, back-to-back losses price them dearly.
Listed here are three takeaways from Serbia’s win.
1. Franz Wagner’s three-point shot is a priority
Wagner ended his time within the Olympics with a 20% conversion price from the perimeter in his six outings. The rising ahead, who has proved himself to be an All-Star-level expertise for the Orlando Magic, has struggled together with his three-point taking pictures for months. After one other troublesome displaying from deep in opposition to Serbia, the place he went 0-of-4, there’s clearly loads of work to be finished earlier than the brand new NBA season begins.
There is not any doubting Wagner’s general talent and numerous expertise. Nevertheless, he should rediscover his perimeter jumper if he needs to continue to grow his recreation and proving himself to be a star of the longer term.
2. A triple-double for Nikola Jokic
Talking of stars, Nikola Jokic reminded everybody why he is the perfect participant on this planet with a triple-double efficiency. The reigning NBA MVP ended the sport with 19 factors, 11 assists and 12 rebounds whereas taking pictures 7-of-15 from the sphere.
It has been fascinating to see Jokic’s function with the Serbian nationwide workforce. He has been used as a part of the system somewhat than having a system constructed round him, which instantly contrasts his function below Mike Malone within the NBA. Nonetheless, Jokic has been a standout performer within the Olympics and can now start his offseason with a bronze medal to his title.
3. Serbia had an excessive amount of expertise for Germany to beat
Serbia had six gamers rating in double digits, together with two who mixed for 25 factors from the bench. Additionally they performed some lockdown protection courtesy of their extremely excessive depth all through the sport. At occasions, Germany seemed outmatched and outgunned. Serbia’s expertise pool continues to enhance, and within the third-place recreation, it seemed to have a extra gifted roster than what Germany may placed on the ground.
The Germans loved a robust FIBA World Cup final summer season. Given their fourth-placed end on the Olympics, it will likely be fascinating to see how they decide themselves again up within the coming years.
