Social media erupts as Nuggets star Nikola Jokic almost does the unthinkable
On Thursday afternoon, some Denver Nuggets fans were conflicted. They couldn't root against Nikola Jokic, but they also couldn't root against the United States. If there's one player who could propel their country to a historic feat, it's Jokic. He and Serbia almost had it.
Team USA was down by as many as 24 points in the Olympic semifinal matchup. The United States entered the fourth quarter down by double digits. It looked like Serbia would do the unthinkable and deny Team USA another gold, but Steph Curry and Co. took over down the stretch.
Jokic finished with 17 points, 11 assists, one steal, and one block. He proved yet again that he's the best basketball player in the world. Serbia played exceptionally well for a team that lost 110-84 to the United States less than two weeks ago.
Nikola Jokic and Serbia nearly upset the United States in Olympic semifinal
When things were looking bleak for Team USA in the first half, social media buzzed with pro-Jokic tweets.
US has 12 All-Stars and are losing by 8 to Nikola Jokic and four guys who are taking cigarette breaks during timeouts, the Olympics rule
— Joel Beall (@JoelMBeall) August 8, 2024
What Nikola Jokic is doing to USA basketball pic.twitter.com/7Vzw5fOq7O
— Sopranos World (@SopranosWorld) August 8, 2024
Someone has to bring a pony into the arena to distract Jokic at this point there’s no other answer
— Charlotte Wilder (@TheWilderThings) August 8, 2024
Make Nikola Jokic the Olympic MVP even if he doesn’t win a medal.
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) August 8, 2024
My God.
Even after the buzzer sounded and Serbia hung their heads in defeat, the Jokic praise rightfully continued.
It took 3 of the greatest players of all time going crazy at the end to take down Nikola Jokic
— NBA World (@NBAW0RLD24) August 8, 2024
Shoutout to Serbia, what a game. pic.twitter.com/VOgd9gRj2V
Proud of Serbia. The passion that Nikola Jokic showed while playing for his country this summer has been special. This loss will sting for a long time.
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) August 8, 2024
Mad respect to Jokic and Serbia. Thank
— Sam Morril (@sammorril) August 8, 2024
God for Steph Curry.
Not one member of the Serbian national basketball team would make Team USA’s roster other than Nikola Jokic. Even in a loss it’s almost a mic drop moment for The Joker when it comes to the best player in the world conversation.
— Zach Bye (@byesline) August 8, 2024
Everybody who tuned in will never forget that matchup. Watching the best NBA players in the world go head-to-head in what would otherwise be a dead offseason period is a treat. Given how Denver's season ended, watching Jokic represent his country in France has been that much more special.
Serbia isn't done yet, either. The three-time MVP could still lead his country to a podium finish, as Serbia will play Germany for a bronze medal on Saturday at 3 a.m. MT. Nuggets fans can set their alarms for a way-too-early wake-up call or pull an all-nighter to watch Jokic. It'll be the last time he'll play until the Nuggets suit up for the 2024-25 season, so don't miss it!
Team USA will play France at 1:30 p.m. MT for the gold medal.
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