The showdown between Nikola Jokic and Alperen Sengun in Group A was nothing short of seismic, as Türkiye edged Serbia in a clash that had the feel of a heavyweight bout.
For 40 minutes, the two centers traded blows in a game that combined skill, intensity, and a bit of pride, with Sengun ultimately walking away with both the win and the honors as TCL Player of the Game.
Jokic, the reigning NBA Finals MVP and the backbone of Serbia’s offense, put together a typically well-rounded performance: 22 points on an efficient 10-of-16 shooting, along with 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and a block.
His efficiency rating of 31 reflected the impact he had on nearly every possession.
Yet Sengun, at just 23 years old, was more than up for the challenge. The Houston Rockets big man delivered a statement performance, finishing with 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting, draining 4-of-7 from deep, and dominating the glass with 13 rebounds.
His 8 assists showcased his versatility, while an efficiency rating of 37 underlined why he stole the spotlight.
After the game, Sengun acknowledged the magnitude of going head-to-head with Jokic, saying, “Jokic is one of the best players in the world. Rather, he’s the best, as of recently. To play and get this win against him was really important for us. As for me, I also had the extra motivation for this game. So we’re happy. And I’m happy I’ve played well and we won.”
Both men looked every bit like frontrunners for the tournament’s MVP award, making their duel a highlight of EuroBasket’s group stage.
With Türkiye and Serbia now locked into the top two spots in Group A, the basketball world will have to wait until the Final or the Third-Place Game to see a rematch of this electrifying battle.
Battle for the ages: Sengun vs Jokic
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 3, 2025
It will go down as one of the best matchups in recent #EuroBasket history.https://t.co/3qPiun1Wwu
