Serbia methodically dismantled Bosnia and Herzegovina (94:81) using a dominant first half to remove any suspense long before the final buzzer. Lead by Nikola Jokić and Nikola Jović the home side showed great team effort, for a crowd pleasing roar.
By the end of the first half, Serbia had built a 19-point cushion, leading 54:35 behind crisp ball movement, efficient shooting, and the familiar orchestration of captain Nikola Jokić. On the other hand, Bosnia and Herzegovina never managed to trim the deficit to a level that threatened final the outcome.
Jokić did what has become routine throughout his career: control every aspect of the game without forcing it. The three-time NBA MVP finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, recording a triple-double in just under 32 minutes while shooting 6/10 from the field. He added two steals, a block, and committed only one turnover, serving as the engine behind Serbia’s balanced offensive attack.
Jokić dictated the tempo, while Jović supplied the fireworks
The Miami Heat forward went beyond the arc, pouring a game-high 32 points during an ultra-efficient 11/15 shooting performance. Every time Bosnia and Herzegovina showed signs of finding their rhythm, Jović delivered another timely basket to keep Serbia comfortably in front.
Team Serbia’s depth also proved to be a difference-maker. Ognjen Đurišić quietly pieced together one of the night’s most complete performances, contributing 16 points and 7 assists. He added 3 rebounds and 2 steals without committing a turnover, helping maintain the offensive flow whenever the ball wasn’t in Jokic’s hands.
Bosnia and Herzegovina never lacked in competitive effort. They showed immense motivation, but struggled to match Serbia’s efficiency. Darko Talić led the guests with 12 points and 8 assists, shooting 3/6 from the field and a perfect 5/5 from the free-throw line. His playmaking kept Bosnia organized in stretches, but Serbia’s combination of size, shooting, and ball movement consistently created a visible separation.
Nevertheless, Talić as well as coach Đerđa were mostly satisfied with the game shown against Serbia, recognising the difference in roster levels, loving the atmosphere of the mythical “Pionir”.
For team Serbia, the Belgrade match offered an encouraging glimpse of what is to come. This level of performance is an ideal start towards the 2027 Basketball World Cup. A night of great Serbian basketball was only brought into a beautiful completion with the presence of both the World silver U17, as well as their Veteran squad.
Watch the post match statements from coach Alimpijević below.
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