Serbia beats Italy without Jokic's scoring: Squad depth as a lethal weapon

Serbia just secured an important 76-64 road victory over Italy in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers. What stands out is not the 12-point margin, but the fact that coach Svetislav Pešić's team won on a night when their biggest star Nikola Jokic scored only 8 points. This signals that Serbia no longer depends entirely on the Denver Nuggets center. The game took place in Italy, where the hosts were expected to create a difficult match for Serbia. But from the start, Serbia showed solidity in defense. They held Italy to 64 total points, significantly below Italy's average of about 72-75 points per game in qualifying. Especially in the fourth quarter, Serbia's defense was outstanding, allowing only 10 points while scoring 19 themselves. The 9-point margin in the final period decided the game. What made this victory possible? The answer lies in squad depth. When Jokic had an off night, other players stepped up. Avramovic and Guduric were the most prominent names, taking on the primary scoring role at crucial moments. This shows Serbia is not just a one-star team, but a collective that knows how to operate when the star is neutralized. Jokic, despite scoring only 8 points, still contributed 8 rebounds and, more importantly, his ability to stretch the opponent's defense. Italy focused their attention on him, creating space for teammates to exploit. This was a smart tactic from coach Pešić: using Jokic as a magnet to attract attention, rather than forcing him to score at all costs. Tactically, Serbia showed great flexibility. They could play through Jokic in the low post, or switch to a fast ball-movement style when needed. Nikola Milutinov's return from injury was also a big plus, providing another presence near the basket. With two quality centers, Serbia can rotate without fearing a drop in quality. Looking at the standings, Serbia sits 2nd in Group J with a 6-2 record, while Italy, after two consecutive losses, has fallen to 5-3. This victory not only gives Serbia a direct head-to-head advantage but also creates a tiebreaker edge if both teams finish with the same record. Essentially, Serbia now holds its own destiny for a World Cup ticket. However, one must be cautious. This is just one game, not proof that Serbia has surpassed top European teams like Spain or Germany. They still have gaps to improve, especially against teams with stronger defenses than Italy. A concerning point is Milutinov's physical condition. He has a history of knee injuries, and if he suffers a relapse, Serbia would lose a key piece in their defensive system. Coach Pešić needs a backup plan, perhaps calling up a third center or adjusting tactics to reduce the load on Milutinov. For Italy, two consecutive losses in this window are a wake-up call. They still have a chance to qualify for the World Cup, but if they continue to slide, they could drop to 3rd place and face a tougher qualification path. The Italian Basketball Federation may need to reconsider their development strategy if the team fails to advance. This game also revealed an interesting trend: Jokic may not need to score many points for his team to win. On a night when he was contained, his teammates knew how to shine. This is especially important as teams increasingly focus on limiting opposing stars. If Serbia can maintain this offensive diversity, they will be a very tough opponent at the World Cup. However, it must be acknowledged that one win cannot confirm everything. Serbia still needs to prove themselves against stronger opponents. Their next game against Spain will be the real test of their ambitions. If the defense continues to play as solidly as in the fourth quarter against Italy, Serbia can certainly think about competing for medals at the World Cup. Tactically, Serbia has shown clear improvement in handling opponents' pick-and-roll situations. They can choose between drop coverage, switching, or zone defense depending on the situation. This flexibility makes it difficult for opponents to apply a fixed tactic to exploit weaknesses. Another positive is the team's fighting spirit. Even though Jokic didn't score much, the players remained focused and showed no signs of anxiety. This indicates a healthy locker room where everyone understands their role and is willing to contribute to the common goal. Looking ahead, Serbia needs to maintain this consistency. They have a generation of players in their prime: Jokic at 29, Micic at 30, Guduric at 30, Milutinov at 28. This is the golden window to compete for major titles. If they don't seize this opportunity, they may have to wait for a new generation to emerge. For Italy, they need to quickly regain their confidence. With young players like Mannion (23) and Fontecchio (28), they have development potential. But potential remains potential if not properly exploited. The Italian Basketball Federation needs to make tactical and personnel adjustments to revive the team's spirit. This game also serves as a reminder to other teams that Serbia is not just about Jokic. They have a balanced collective, know how to play team basketball, and possess impressive squad depth. This makes them a strong contender for future titles. In summary, Serbia's 76-64 victory over Italy is a notable result, not just for the score but for how they won. Beating a tough opponent on the road without the star scoring much is a testament to collective strength. Serbia is on the right track and promises to be a formidable force at the upcoming World Cup. However, one must be realistic. One win does not make a successful season. Serbia still has much work to do, and they will face bigger challenges ahead. But at least they have shown they have the character and depth to overcome difficult moments. That is a positive sign for Serbian basketball.