Nikola Jokic's Teammate Issues Apology After Serbia's Olympic Game

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was one assist away from a triple-double

Jul 31, 2024; Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France; Serbia power forward Nikola Jokic (15) reacts after a play in the second quarter against Puerto Rico during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. | John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic and Serbia picked up their first win of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Wednesday, defeating Puerto Rico after falling to Team USA in the opener. Jokic finished with a historic stat line, becoming the first player in Olympics history to tally at least 10 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists in a single game.

Finishing one assist shy of a triple-double, Jokic had an opportunity to record one before being subbed out, but his teammate Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic missed a layup for what would have been the Nuggets star's 10th assist of the game.

Nikola Jokic heads to the bench and gets an ovation! Unfortunately, Jovic missed an easy layup and Jokic didn't end up getting the triple double. Not sure if they will put Joker back in. pic.twitter.com/kdXOEZqmSu
— JokicMuse (@NikolaJokicMuse) July 31, 2024

Speaking with reporters after the game (via BasketNews), Jovic issued an apology, saying, "Did he pass the ball? ... I can't believe I didn't make it... I'm so sorry. It's sad."

Nikola Jovic admitted he wasn’t aware that his shot could have given Nikola Jokic the 4⃣th triple-double in Olympic history 🗣️ #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/nbEc3z4Xnb
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) July 31, 2024

While Jokic is known for his ability to record historic stat lines, it is not something he cares about. Only focused on winning, Jokic has made it clear throughout his basketball career that he is not motivated by stats, and again made that clear after narrowly missing a triple-double.

"Oh, it is what it is," Jokic said on missing out on a triple-double.

When @Urbodo told Nikola Jokic that he was 1⃣ assist away from the Olympic triple-double, he responded:

"Oh, it is what it is" 😅🗣️ pic.twitter.com/11O9zGxQQI
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) July 31, 2024

Serbia is 1-1 in the Paris Olympics Group Phase, and their third game will come on Saturday against a South Sudan team that has a talented roster.

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