Serbia vs Puerto Rico Highlights (Olympic 2024)

Another day, another blockbuster match up. The 2024 Paris Olympics is a gift that just keeps on giving, as Day 5 of the Olympics serves up a mouth-watering clash between Serbia and Puerto Rico in the Men’s basketball tournament.

Before the 2024 Paris Olympics began, the Serbian Men’s National basketball team were considered one of the favorites to clinch a medal. Some even suggested that Serbia could even challenge the likes of USA and Canada for the gold medal. And when you have three-time MVP Nikola Jokic on your team, few would argue with that take. 

However, things haven’t gone according to the script for Jokic and Serbia at the Olympics. In the first match of their Olympics campaign, Serbia succumbed to an embarrassing defeat at the hands of tournament favorites, USA. 

A Bump in the Road 

Many basketball fans felt that Serbia vs USA would a be a tightly contested game. However, Team USA had other ideas, as they blew Serbia out of the water. USA raced to a 9-point lead at half-time and never relented, as they ultimately overcame Serbia by a scoreline of 110-94. 

USA made a statement, as they dominated fellow medal contender from start to finish. 39-year-old LeBron James played a star turn, as he defied his age to record 21 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists in 27 minutes of playing time. Celtics star Jrue Holiday also made a vital contribution by scoring 15 points in 24 minutes of playing time.  

The Serbs were no match for Team USA’s quality, but Jokic’s 20-point performance, coupled with vital contributions from Bogdan Bogdanovic and Ogjnen Dobric, made the scoreline more respectable. They now face Puerto Rico in the second round of group stage matches. 

Serbia expected to win against Puerto Rico 

Several fans have written Serbia off, following their defeat at the hands of Team USA. However, they still possess probably the best player in the world. Furthermore, Jokic is wonderfully complimented by his Serbian teammates.  

Puerto Rico will without a doubt challenge the Serbs, but they are no match for Serbia’s quality. Jose Alvarado is the sole player from this Puerto Rican roster who currently plays in the NBA. Other players like Tremont Waters, Arnaldo Toro and Jordan Howard are decent players. But there is a significant difference in talent between Serbia and Puerto Rico.  

On paper, Serbia should easily win this tie. However, matches aren’t played on paper. Can Serbia bounce back after a devastating defeat, or will Puerto Rico script an upset for the ages? 

Serbia vs Puerto Rico – Tip-Off Time and Date 

The game is scheduled to take place on 31st July 2024 (Wednesday). The match will tip off at 8:45 PM (Indian Standard Time).