Round of 16 play began today and it saw one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. Utah Jazz star, Lauri Markkanen and Finland upset three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and Serbia, 92-86. Despite owning a worse record through group play, Finland was able to take down the favored Serbian squad.
After beginning the tournament undefeated through their first four games, Serbia lost their last group stage game to Turkey, before losing in the round of 16. Nikola Jokic did what he could, scoring 33 points, adding eight rebounds and three assists. Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic added 20 points for Serbia as well, but these were the only two Serbians to reach double figures.
Finland on the other hand had four scorers in double figures, led by Markkanen who scored 29 along with eight rebounds and three assists. Markkanen may be proving himself further as a force to be reckoned with as the NBA season nears. Throughout the group stage, he finished third in scoring, averaging 26 points per game. Nikola Jokic was great as well, placing fifth in scoring, averaging 22.3 points.
Serbia’s poor free-throw shooting ended up being the difference maker in the game, missing eight free throws and shooting 72.4% from the line.
Finland will await the winner of France vs. Georgia tomorrow and will meet with them in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.
As for Jokic, he’ll hope to rest and enjoy the final few weeks of his off-season until NBA camp ramps up towards the end of September.
