No matter the occasion, the Joker remains to be the most notorious option. Serbia fought back from a 25-point deficit to take the lead. But Australia’s resilience forced overtime. And then Nikola Jokić arose to rescue the number four ranked team in a thrilling victory over the Boomers. Now the clock is ticking on a probable rematch against Team USA.

But Serbia’s Marko Gudurić, despite the USA’s mass NBA strength, isn’t willing to presume them to be Serbia’s semifinal opponents. Not until they get past their quarterfinal test against Brazil. “USA? They haven’t defeated Brazil yet,” he said after the game. He also spoke highly of their opponents, claiming “I’m sure this is one of the toughest games I’ve played in my career”.

And if not for Serbia’s trump card, it might have been the Boomers who went through to the semis.

Jokic was all over the floor during the additional period. On defense, he picked Patty Mills’ pocket and blocked Josh Giddey’s potential lead-taking shot. The three-time MVP then turned his back to the basket twice and drilled consecutive daggers to book Serbia’s ticket into the Paris Olympic semifinals.

It was the second time the Joker flirted with a triple-double during the competition. His well-rounded game supplied 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists in the monumental win for Serbia. The Boomers’ two architects, Josh Giddey and Mills, both combined for 51 points. However, the composure of Jokic eventually helped overcome their scoring explosion.

A few of his Denver Nuggets teammates sang his praises on X. Third-year guard Peyton Watson wrote, “Joker YOU are unreal brate”, after Jokic’s ultimate dagger.

Christian Braun, an up-and-coming teammate of Jokic, claimed him to be the “best player in the world” following his herculean performance against Australia.

Nikola Jokić and Patty Mills embrace after epic clash

The finish line was within grabbing distance for Mills and Australia. The former Nets guard put his soul out on the floor, scoring 26 points, including an audacious shot to send the game to overtime. But it ended on a bitter note for Mills, who competed in his fifth Olympics. After the game, Nikola Jokić couldn’t leave the floor without acknowledging the warrior in front.

After exchanging casualties with the officials, he went straight to Mills and wrapped him around his long levers. He and the Boomers had tested the tough-minded Serbia to the pinnacle of their limits. And while it was upsetting to leave the competition, Patty Mills went with his head held high.

“Through the happy tears and the sad tears, it’s been an incredible journey,” said the Boomers’ seasoned guard after the exhausting matchup.

The decorated 35-year-old currently sits number two in all-time steals and fifth on the Olympics’ all-time scoring charts amassing 567 points through his five appearances. If this is the end of the road for him, Patty Mills will be celebrated for his remarkable efforts to transform Australian basketball and be the beacon for the youngsters who will take over.