Despite Missing Out on 8 Key Players Including Nikola Jokic, Team Serbia Stormed Into The Finals of FIBA World Cup

Team Serbia has had a FIBA World Cup run for the ages. Entering the tournament as underdogs, Team Serbia defied all odds to storm into the Finals of the tournament with a shot at the coveted gold medal. Although the absence of Nikola Jokic seemed to be their biggest setback, the team had many more hardships to face before even entering the event.

Team Serbia stunned the world with their 2023 FIBA World Cup run. While the fans expected an All-American Finals clash between Team USA and Team Canada, the Serbian contingent delivered a major upset. Now, the team faces Team Germany in the ultimate battle for glory. However, the team achieved this unbelievable feat without the services of 8 key players on their roster.

Team Serbia achieved the impossible without Nikola Jokic and 7 other stars

With Nikola Jokic opting out of the FIBA World Cup, the weight of the nation’s hopes landed on Bogdan Bogdanovic. Sure enough, the Atlanta Hawks guard delivered in a sensational manner. He also received impressive support from Miami Heat forward, Nikola Jovic. However, if not for the two NBA stars, the team missed out on 8 key players on their roster.

The 2-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic naturally headlined the snubs of the Team Serbia roster. However, other than The Joker, 2 NBA stars missed out this time. The 35-year-old Boban Marjanovic, along with Oklahoma City Thunder center, Aleksej Pokusevski, both could not provide their services to the national side. Additionally, 5 other key players, including Nemanja Nedovic and Vasilije Micic missed out.

After leading the Denver Nuggets to their first championship, Nikola Jokic gutted Team Serbia by opting out. While this seemed to have stung the national side, the absence of 7 other phenomenally talented roster pieces came as a haymaker. Despite the absence of their stars, Team Serbia heroically stormed into the Finals of the tournament. Now, they face the most dominant side in the tournament, Team Germany. Can the Serbians end their surreal run with glory?

Can the heroic Serbian side strike gold?

Team Serbia will now enter the Finals of the FIBA World Cup after an unbelievable run. However, their opponent in the Finals may prove to be their toughest challenge yet. The unbeaten Team Germany has asserted their dominance in the tournament so far, led brilliantly by the Toronto Raptors guard, Dennis Schroder. So can the Serbian national side get past the mighty Germans on their way to the coveted title?

Bogdan Bogdanovic and his troops will have a major challenge ahead of them. But the Hawks guard has seemed unbothered by the pressure so far. He has averaged an impressive 19.4 PPG so far along with 4.7 APG. However, Schroder too, has been nothing short of phenomenal throughout the event. The Raptors guard has led his team to an unbeaten record, averaging 17.9 PPG and 6.7 APG.

READ MORE: In Absence of Nikola Jokic, FIBA Dark Horses Serbia’s Journey to the Final Will Inspire You

Team Serbia seems more determined than ever to bag the gold medal. The absence of their stars has only served as a chip on their shoulder to bring glory to their nation. But can the heroic Serbian side topple the unbeaten Team Germany? Who has the upper hand in the Finals of the FIBA World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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