Nikola Joki's Serbia Stunned, Eliminated from EuroBasket 2025 by Finland

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Joki and pre-tournament favorite Serbia were surprisingly ousted from EuroBasket 2025 in the round of 16 by Lauri Markkanen's Finland on September 6, 2025. Joki, considered the best player on the planet, delivered a strong performance with 33 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in the game. However, Serbia struggled with poor 3-point shooting, hitting only 30.6% from beyond the arc, and missed the presence of an injured Bogdan Bogdanovic. This early exit marks a significant upset for a Serbian team that won bronze at the Paris Olympics and silver at the last FIBA World Cup.