In an unforgettable quarterfinal clash at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Serbia edged out Australia in an overtime thriller, 95-90, propelled by Nikola Jokic’s near triple-double performance. Despite a heroic effort from Patty Mills, who authored yet another Olympic masterpiece, Serbia’s resilience and Jokic’s clutch play proved too much for the Aussies.
Patty Mills, known for his Olympic heroics, delivered an electrifying first half that seemed to put Australia on a sure path to victory. The Miami Heat guard checked in late in the first quarter and immediately caught fire, scoring 14 consecutive points in a dazzling solo run. By the time Mills checked out early in the second quarter, he had already amassed 16 points, helping Australia build a commanding 24-point lead.
However, Serbia, undeterred by the early deficit, began to chip away at the lead. By halftime, they had reduced Australia’s advantage to 12 points, with Mills cooling off as the Serbians tightened their defense.
The third quarter saw Serbia storm back into the game with a 19-6 run, taking a surprising 61-60 lead. The second half was a back-and-forth battle, with Serbia building leads and Australia responding, thanks to the efforts of Josh Giddey and Jack McVeigh. Giddey, emerging as a star for the Aussies, scored 24 points on 11-of-20 shooting, including crucial baskets in the fourth quarter.
Despite Giddey’s heroics, including a cold-blooded three-pointer to tie the game with three minutes remaining, Serbia managed to stay ahead. Jokic’s leadership and versatility were on full display, as he finished with 21 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, and four steals, constantly keeping Serbia in contention.
The game reached its zenith in overtime, with both teams vying for control. Josh Giddey gave Australia a 90-87 lead, but Serbia’s defense held firm, preventing the Aussies from scoring in the final 2:43. Jokic took over in the clutch, scoring the go-ahead basket with a minute left and sealing the victory with another score shortly after.
Patty Mills’ 26-point performance, including the game-tying layup in the final seconds of regulation, added another chapter to his storied Olympic career. Mills, now the fifth-leading scorer in men’s Olympic history, delivered yet another spectacular performance on the grandest stage. However, his efforts were not enough to overcome Jokic and Serbia’s determined comeback.
For Australia, the loss marks a heartbreaking end to their Olympic journey, and potentially to Mills’ illustrious Olympic career. Nevertheless, the future looks bright with young talents like Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, and Dante Exum poised to lead the next generation.
Serbia, on the other hand, advances to the semifinals, where a potential rematch with Team USA looms. Having already faced a tough defeat to the Americans in group play, Jokic and his teammates will be seeking redemption as they continue their pursuit of Olympic glory.
