Kerr Suspects Previous Wins Over Serbia Were Due to Held-Back Efforts; Jokić and His Coach May Still Have Tricks Up Their Sleeves

The Olympic semi-final saw Team USA face Serbia once again, marking the third encounter this season, with the Americans having won both previous matches. Nonetheless, Steve Kerr warned Team USA not to become complacent, suspecting that Serbia may have held back in previous games. “We can’t afford to let our guard down just because we beat them twice,” said Kerr. “We have to prepare for them to play at their best. We need to consider what different strategies they might employ. Jokić – maybe he could play all 40 minutes, or perhaps they have some other aces up their sleeves.”

In the Olympics, no opponent commands as much respect from Team USA as Jokić does. In the NBA, they’ve seen him become an MVP and an NBA champion. And when Jokić was on the court for Serbia, they were formidable. During the Olympics, Jokić averaged 19.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.0 block per game, leading his team in almost every statistical category while shooting 60% from the field. When Jokić was on the floor, Serbia outscored their opponents by 43 points. Without him, Serbia was outscored by 12 points.

In last month’s group stage blowout win over Serbia, Jokić played 31 minutes during which the score was tied 81-81. In the 9 minutes he sat, Team USA outscored Serbia 29-3, coinciding with Kevin Durant’s hot streak, likely contributing to Jokić feeling powerless. In the quarterfinals, Serbia staged a historic comeback from a 24-point deficit, winning in overtime against Australia. With Jokić on the court, Serbia outscored their opponents by 17 points, but during his 7-minute rest, they were outscored by 12 points.

These statistics led Kerr to speculate that Serbia might try to keep Jokić on the court as much as possible, or take only brief breaks, to maximize their chances of an upset. “I guess we’ll be prepared for it,” Joel Embiid said, who may start against Jokić. “If they think it’s necessary to beat us, they won’t hesitate to do it.”

Serbia’s coach, Svetislav Pešić, is one of Europe’s most experienced coaches, having led Yugoslavia to a world championship title in 2002. Under his system, Jokić has slightly less ball-handling responsibility than with the Denver Nuggets, contrary to other NBA stars playing for their national teams. However, in crucial moments, Jokić still takes charge. He made three key defensive plays – a steal, a block, and knocking the ball off the rim – and scored two decisive baskets in the final stages of the match against Australia.

In both games against Team USA, Pešić deployed Jokić in unconventional rotations. In the Abu Dhabi game, Jokić played the entire first three quarters, uncommon in a warm-up match. In the Olympic game, as Team USA mounted a significant run, Pešić delayed bringing Jokić back from the bench. Additionally, Serbia displayed impressive defense against Australia. Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanović also shone, averaging 18.5 points per game with a 48% three-point shooting percentage and 90% free-throw accuracy.

Since losing to Team USA, Serbia has won three consecutive games. “Every game is a test. Regardless of what happened in the previous two games, what matters is what happens on Thursday night (local time),” LeBron James said. “So we need to focus on our video analysis, stay focused during the day, and get ready to play.”