Jokic vs. Giannis in Belgrade

Serbia-Greece, Jokic vs. Giannis at Stark Area in Belgrade was all the things.

First off, the pageantry. Novak Djokovic walked in round half-hour earlier than tip-off and acquired an on the spot standing ovation. He was adopted by one Serbian basketball visionary after one other. As every legendary coach and participant walked into the sector, they have been every greeted with their very own applause. I acquired chills. It was so cool to witness dwell and simply one other instance of the basketball and sports activities custom on this nation. The eagerness for basketball and the large cultural lane it fills in Serbia has been an enduring takeaway from this journey.

After which the sport. Throughout our two meet-ups with followers this week in Belgrade, each of which might be life-long reminiscences, I informed everybody who listened that I used to be anticipating a basic. I used to be anticipating a detailed recreation between the 2 gamers who I think about the perfect within the league (Jokic is No. 1, Giannis is No. 2). I anticipated every particular person participant to ship too.

They did simply that.

Being in that constructing with that crowd and watching these two gamers might be one thing I’ll always remember. It was legendary. It was the loudest basketball recreation I’ve ever been to, and I didn’t must suppose too exhausting to make that assertion. Each single participant who walked on that ground needed to be powerful as nails. That setting absolutely isn’t for everybody.

Giannis was nice, however Jokic was higher. Sooner or later within the second half, it began to really feel like we have been in for a basic Jokic fourth quarter. I imply, I’ve seen that story too many instances earlier than. You simply know when it’s coming. Serbia’s function gamers have been as much as the duty too, which I felt like was the distinction within the recreation. It was a must-win for Serbia, who wanted a victory to maintain their 2023 World Cup qualifying hopes alive.

“What did you guys consider that ambiance?” Jokic asked us when we saw him postgame outside of Serbia’s locker room.

Now I do know why he’s by no means rattled by an NBA crowd.

The sport served as an ideal cap on the journey of a lifetime. All week lengthy we’ve been studying about Serbian basketball and the good historical past of the game right here. We’ve realized concerning the legendary coaches and godfathers of Serbian basketball who turned the game into what it’s at this time. We’ve gone to the arenas the place so many historic home and worldwide video games have been performed. We’ve spoken with the diehards throughout this nation who’re a few of the smartest basketball followers I’ve interacted with. All of it has led me to this conclusion: It is a proud, proud nation who calls for excellence.

That’s what Jokic gave to his coutnryman in Belgrade.

I’ve thought loads this week concerning the stress Jokic is underneath this summer season enjoying for his house nation. Right here, a gold medal at EuroBasket subsequent month or the World Cup subsequent yr would imply a lot greater than one other MVP or Nuggets championship. A gold medal right here in Serbia immediately vaults a participant into royalty. Despite the fact that Jokic is the perfect Serbian participant in his nation’s historical past, in my view, he’s not sometimes regarded by most Serbian’s as that from what I’ve gathered. It’s merely becasue he hasn’t introduced house a gold for Group Serbia in a world competitors. That excellence is what this nation expects.

And I perceive it. Being right here for only one week, I get why something lower than gold for this nation is a disappointment. I used to be in a position to actually recognize that storied custom of basketball right here and why it’s taken so significantly. I’ve a brand new appreciation for it now. It’s an appreciation I’d by no means have if I didn’t come to Serbia. Right here, basketball is a sport that’s engrained into the material of society at a stage that it’s simply not in the USA.

It received’t be Jokic’s fault if Serbia doesn’t emerge with a gold at EuroBasket this summer season. This isn’t the strongest Serbian group and accidents to Nemanja Bjelica and Vasilije Micic have already been storylines this summer season. However Jokic appears like he’s in high type. He appears higher proper now than he was final season in Denver, and I don’t say that evenly. Jokic appears faster within the paint however simply as highly effective within the publish. He had zero issues being guarded by Giannis. His contact was unbelievable vs. Greece too. He additionally appears assured, like nearly cocky. It’s like he walked on that courtroom vs. Greece and knew he was the perfect participant on the market.

As we go away Serbia after an unbelievable week right here, all I can say is thanks. Thanks to the unbelievable individuals of Serbia who welcomed us into this nation with open arms and helped give us the week of our lives. We have been so desperate to study Serbian tradition, basketball and the individuals right here. It’s why we got here to Serbia within the first place. And the good individuals of this nation have been so open and desperate to share their tradition and lifestyle with us. The hospitality and generosity we skilled right here is one thing I’ll bear in mind without end.

Thanks, Serbia.