Jokic Outshines Wembanyama as Serbia Edges France in August 20 Friendly

On August 20, Serbia beat France 90-87 in a pre-World Cup friendly held at the Belgrade Arena. Nikola Jokic recorded 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in 29 minutes, flirting with a triple-double. Victor Wembanyama managed 10 points, four rebounds and six turnovers in 24 minutes. The win gave Serbia a narrow three-point margin and set the stage for an immediate rematch.

Nikola Jokic has 20 points, nine rebounds, eight assists in 90-87 win for Serbia over Victor Wembanyama and France

The matchup served as the first of two preparation games for both national teams ahead of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup European qualifying window. France entered the game with newly appointed captain Victor Wembanyama, who was announced as captain on August 19. The French side will face Slovenia and Sweden later in August as part of the qualifying campaign, while Serbia will host additional friendlies before the qualifiers begin.

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• Final score: Serbia 90, France 87.

Nikola Jokic has 20 points, nine rebounds, eight assists in 90-87 win for Serbia over Victor Wembanyama and France

• Jokic: 20 points (4-10 two-point, 1-3 three-point, 9-12 free throws), 9 rebounds, 8 assists.

Nikola Jokic has 20 points, nine rebounds, eight assists in 90-87 win for Serbia over Victor Wembanyama and France

• Wembanyama: 10 points (2-2 two-point, 1-6 three-point, 3-4 free throws), 4 rebounds, 6 turnovers.

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• Attendance: approximately 20,000 spectators.

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• Both teams exchanged leads throughout the four quarters (22-19, 24-26, 26-17, 18-25).

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Jokic praised Wembanyama’s unique skill set, emphasizing that the French star’s future success depends on effort and health. Vincent Collet, France’s head coach, called Jokic “the best offensive player” and credited his ability to elevate teammates.

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• “But Victor definitely has an opportunity to be the most unique, the most basketball player that you've ever seen. It only depends on him how well he's gonna fit, how well he's gonna work hard, how well he's gonna get to his spots, treat his body well,” — Nikola Jokic, center, Denver Nuggets “But Victor definitely has an opportunity to be the most unique, the most basketball player that you've ever seen. It only depends on him how well he's gonna fit, how well he's gonna work hard, how well he's gonna get to his spots, treat his body well,” — Nikola Jokic

Newsweek

• “Being captain is first and foremost about setting an example,” — Victor Wembanyama, center, San Antonio Spurs “Being captain is first and foremost about setting an example,” — Victor Wembanyama

Sports Illustrated

• “It carries more weight because it is worn for much shorter periods,” — Victor Wembanyama, center, San Antonio Spurs “It carries more weight because it is worn for much shorter periods,” — Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama Handed Major France Role

• “I wouldn’t go as far as calling it crucial, but it is a very important window,” — Victor Wembanyama, center, San Antonio Spurs “I wouldn’t go as far as calling it crucial, but it is a very important window,” — Victor Wembanyama

Wemby starts practice with France, heavyweight clash with Jokic looms

France and Serbia are scheduled to meet again on August 23 in Orléans, providing Wembanyama a second chance to test adjustments against Jokic. Following the rematch, France will begin its qualifying campaign later in August, while Serbia will continue its preparation schedule. Both federations view these exhibitions as critical benchmarks before the World Cup qualifiers commence.

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