Jokić and Wembanyama Clash in Belgrade Friendly
AI-generated image · US National Wire
Nikola Jokić leads Team Serbia to a narrow victory over Victor Wembanyama and Team France as the two stars prepare for FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifiers.
Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama met Thursday in Belgrade, Serbia, for a friendly match ahead of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers, as Sports Illustrated first reported. According to the outlet, Team Serbia secured a 90-87 win, led by Jokić, who recorded 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.
Wembanyama, who recently succeeded Rudy Gobert as the youngest captain of Les Bleus since 2003, finished with 10 points and four rebounds in 24 minutes, though he struggled with six turnovers on 3-for-8 shooting. The 22-year-old San Antonio Spurs star admitted to feeling "rusty" following his absence from game action since the NBA Finals, where the Spurs were eliminated by the New York Knicks in Game 5.
Speaking with EuroHoops, Jokić described Wembanyama as a "special opponent" and "unique as a player," stating that the Frenchman has the potential to be the most unique basketball player ever seen. Jokić further noted that France is a "dangerous" and "unconventional" team, particularly due to the presence of Wembanyama and Gobert.
While Wembanyama noted the lack of physicality in the game, he highlighted the differences between the NBA and international play, specifically citing the ball used in competition. Les Bleus coach Frédéric Fauthoux told Sports Illustrated that the decision to name Wembanyama captain was based on his "work ethic" and "exemplary character."
The two teams are scheduled to meet again on August 23 at the CO'Met Arena in Orleans, France.