Italy survives Nikola Jokic, sends Serbia home with 94-86 win, help from Celtics alum Luigi Datome

The joke is on the Joker’s Serbian National Team, it seems.

Former Boston Celtics forward Luigi Datome helped his Italian National Team send Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic and Serbia home with a 94-86 win in the knockout phase of the 2022 European Basketball Championship (commonly referred to as the EuroBasket).

The former Celtic came off the bench to put up 6 points, 1 rebound and 2 steals in just over 14 minutes of playing time for Italy. Datome was part of Italy’s solution to replace Danilo Gallinari following his ACL tear. The Montebelluna shot an efficient 2-of-4 from the field, 1-of-3 from beyond the arc and 1-of-2 from the charity stripe.

Datome did not commit a personal foul or a turnover in his time on the floor for Italy.

During the game, Italian coach Gianmarco Pozzecco was ejected with a second technical foul in the third quarter.

After the impressive win, Italy advances to the quarterfinals; its EuroBasket title hopes remain alive.

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