Nikola Jokic powered Serbia past France 90-87 in Belgrade as both national teams continued preparing for the upcoming FIBA window.
The Serbian superstar delivered an all-around performance, finishing with 20 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and three steals while recording a PIR of 33.
Victor Wembanyama had a more difficult night for France. The French center was held to 10 points and five rebounds and turned the ball over six times.
Serbia carried a 72-62 advantage into the final quarter and later stretched the margin to 12 points with slightly more than three minutes remaining.
France refused to go away, producing a late comeback that reduced Serbia’s advantage to only three.
Wembanyama then had an opportunity to tie the contest but failed to convert before Serbia finished the job at the free-throw line.
The two European powers will face each other once more in Orleans on August 23.
Nikola Jokic leads Serbia past Victor Wembanyama's France#FIBAWC #StepItUphttps://t.co/9Rv29YEOgB
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) August 20, 2026
