Match Details: Serbia vs. Germany – 2024 Olympic Basketball Bronze Medal Game
Date: August 10, 2024
Location: Paris, France
Final Score: Serbia 93, Germany 83
In a gripping showdown for the bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Serbia emerged victorious over Germany, 93-83, thanks to a stellar performance by Nikola Jokic. This win marks Serbia’s first Olympic medal since their silver finish at the 2016 Rio Games and ends Germany’s remarkable 12-game win streak in international tournaments.
Game Recap:
Serbia, led by the incomparable Nikola Jokic, showcased their prowess in a high-stakes game. Jokic delivered a standout performance with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, achieving the fifth triple-double in Olympic history. Joining him in the spotlight were Vasilije Micic, who contributed 19 points, and Bogdan Bogdanovic, who added 16 points.
The game was a rematch of the 2023 FIBA World Cup final, where Germany had secured victory. Serbia, determined to make amends, came out strong and established an early lead that they maintained throughout the game. Despite a spirited comeback attempt from Germany, spearheaded by Franz Wagner and Moritz Wagner, Serbia’s defense and Jokic’s playmaking proved too much to overcome.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown:
- Q1: Serbia 30, Germany 21
- Q2: Serbia 46, Germany 38
- Q3: Serbia 73, Germany 62
- Q4: Serbia 93, Germany 83
Turning Point:
The decisive moment of the game occurred midway through the third quarter when Aleksa Avramovic ignited a 7-0 run, expanding Serbia’s lead to 19 points. This cushion proved crucial as Germany attempted a late rally. Despite their efforts, Serbia’s balanced offensive attack and tight defense kept them comfortably ahead.
Key Highlights:
- Nikola Jokic’s Triple-Double: Jokic’s performance was historic, making him the fourth player in Olympic basketball history to achieve a triple-double. He joins an elite group that includes Sasha Belov (1976), LeBron James (2012, 2024), and Luka Doncic (2021). Jokic’s efficiency and all-around play were pivotal for Serbia.
- Serbia’s Offensive Prowess: Serbia scored over 90 points for the fifth time in the tournament, showcasing their high-octane offense. Their shooting accuracy and ability to penetrate the paint were significant factors in their victory.
- Germany’s Late Push: Germany, led by Franz Wagner’s 19 points and Moritz Wagner’s 16, made a valiant effort to close the gap. Despite their late surge, including a layup by Franz Wagner to cut the deficit to 10 points with just over a minute remaining, they were unable to overcome the Serbian lead.
Notable Stats:
- Serbia: Finished with 93 points, shooting 49.3% from the field, and dominated in the paint with a 20-6 points edge. Serbia also had a solid performance from beyond the arc, making 11 of 27 three-point attempts.
- Germany: Scored 83 points, with a field goal percentage of 44.7%. They struggled with three-point shooting, making only 8 of 20 attempts, and their free-throw shooting was less than stellar at 12 of 18.
Quotes:
- Nikola Jokic: “Winning this bronze medal feels incredible. After our tough loss to the United States, we were determined to finish strong. I’m thrilled for our team and the Serbian fans.”
- Serbia’s head coach, Svetislav Pesic: “This tournament has been incredibly challenging and competitive. Our team’s defense was key, and we executed our game plan effectively. We’re very proud of our achievement and look forward to building on this success.”
- Germany Head Coach Gordon Herbert: “Congratulations to Serbia. They were the better team today. My players gave everything they had, but it wasn’t enough. It’s been a great journey, and I’m proud of what we accomplished.”
- Dennis Schroder of Germany: “It’s a disappointing conclusion to what has otherwise been a remarkable tournament. We have to hold our heads high and recognize the incredible work we’ve done over the past few years.”
Final Thoughts:
Serbia’s victory in the 2024 Olympic basketball tournament is a significant milestone for their national team. After several near misses in major tournaments, this bronze medal is a well-deserved reward for their perseverance and skill. The team, with a strong core including Jokic, Micic, and Bogdanovic, will be a formidable force in future competitions.
Germany’s journey, while ending in disappointment, has been marked by impressive achievements under coach Gordon Herbert. The team’s growth and success over the past three years will be remembered fondly as they transition to a new era.
Quick Notes:
- Serbia’s Second Olympic Medal: This is Serbia’s second Olympic medal as an independent nation, following their silver in 2016.
- Jokic’s Historic Performance: Jokic is the only player in Olympic history to record at least five double-doubles in a single tournament since 1996.
- Franz Wagner’s Achievement: Wagner scored a total of 111 points in the tournament, a record for a German player in their first six Olympic games.
Serbia’s bronze medal victory serves as a testament to their resilience and talent, while Germany’s performance underscores their growth and competitiveness on the world stage.
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