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Serbia Beats France 90-87 in Jokic-Wembanyama Match

8/21/2026

Summary

Jokic Beats France

Serbia beat France 90-87 in an August 20, 2026 exhibition game featuring Serbian center Nikola Jokic and French captain Victor Wembanyama.
Jokic recorded 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in 29 minutes.
Wembanyama scored 10 points, four rebounds and six turnovers, shooting 1-of-6 from three.
Serbia and France will play again on August 23 in Orléans.
In NBA MVP voting, Jokic placed second and Wembanyama third behind NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Summary

Wembanyama Named Captain

Victor Wembanyama was named French national team captain on August 19, 2026.
He became the youngest France captain since Tony Parker in 2003.
Coach Frédéric Fauthoux cited Wembanyama’s character and work ethic for the promotion.
He will lead France in qualifiers against Slovenia (Aug 27) and Sweden (Aug 30).
In the 2025-26 NBA season he averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and earned unanimous Defensive Player of the Year.

History

Historical Context

In 2003 Tony Parker took over as France’s captain and led the team to a bronze medal at EuroBasket 2005. He earned MVP honors as France won EuroBasket 2013, retired from international play in 2016, and had his No. 9 jersey retired in July 2024—the first such tribute in French sport. Following that model, 19-year-old Victor Wembanyama now captains France’s qualifiers.

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Jokic Beats France

Serbia beat France 90-87 in an August 20, 2026 exhibition game featuring Serbian center Nikola Jokic and French captain Victor Wembanyama.
Jokic recorded 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in 29 minutes.
Wembanyama scored 10 points, four rebounds and six turnovers, shooting 1-of-6 from three.
Serbia and France will play again on August 23 in Orléans.
In NBA MVP voting, Jokic placed second and Wembanyama third behind NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

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