Miami Heat star Nikola Jovic outshines three-time MVP teammate and Luka Doncic in front of Erik Spoelstra

Nikola Jovic outshines Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic

The game between Serbia and Slovenia was billed as a duel between three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, and the favorite to win this year’s honor, Luka Doncic.

Instead it was Nikola Jovic of the Miami Heat who stole the show, scoring 18 points, with Doncic posting 17, and Jokic only 10.

Serbia won 106-72, easing to the win, with Jovic leading the scoring in a game where Serbia used all 15 players.

Speaking after the show to Nova, Jovic admitted that Spoelstra’s attendance served as extra inspiration.

“I was definitely motivated, it’s one of the best coaches in the world, if not t he best, he’s come so far to see me. I definitely wanted to show that I’ve improved and that I’ll be even better next season.”

Jovic enjoying playing with Jokic

Denver Nuggets players can testify that playing with Nikola Jokic makes everything easier, and that was the main takeaway for his Serbia teammate.

Speaking after the final preparation game for EuroBasket, Nikola Jovic commented: “A great team, we have good chemistry, I think we really have a chance.”

He also spoke about his enjoyment at getting to share the court with Jokic.

“What can I say, a great player. It’s easy to play with him, I didn’t do much today, and I was always alone. With him, when you’re in the right place at the right time, it’s easy to score a basket and help the team.”

Spoelstra can only wish he had a Jokic to play alongside Jovic, with the franchise one of the other 29 teams dreaming of landing him in free agency in 2027.