Nikola Milutinov comes up big for Serbia in semifinal win

Serbia’s Nikola Milutinov. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–While Bogdan Bogdanovic led the way for Serbia, Nikola Milutinov made sure to provide ample support in the frontcourt.

Milutinov was a force inside the paint as the Serbians knocked off Canada, 95-86, on Friday to barge into the gold medal game against either Germany or Team USA.

The 7-foot center muscled his way to 16 points on 6-of-6 shooting from the field and 10 rebounds, having his way against a Canada frontcourt that had NBA veterans in Kelly Olynyk and Dwight Powell.

“They are an amazing team. They play really good, really tough, they deserve to be here and I’m really glad that we had an opportunity to play against them,” said Milutinov, who has stepped up big time in the absence of NBA superstar Nikola Jokic in this World Cup.

“It was a great experience for me to play against so many NBA players and I’m just happy we’re in the finals but I have to say again, they are an amazing team.”

Aside from Bogdanovic, who had a game-high 23 points, and Milutinov’s individual efforts, Serbia’s defense was also commendable, especially in limiting Canadian star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Serbia’s Nikola Milutinov dunks against Canada in the Fiba World Cup semifinal. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“You can’t guard him with just one guy. He’s an amazing player and we knew that he was going to score his points, we just have to make him work hard for every point and we did it today,” Milutinov said of Gilgeous-Alexander, who was held to 15 points, 10 below his average heading into the semifinal.

Milutinov also praised another one of Canada’s NBA talents in Dillon Brooks, who recently claimed he’s the best perimeter defender in the world today.

“You have to give him credit for what he’s doing. He’s doing everything for his team to win. You really have to congratulate him, he’s a tough guy, a good defender and it’s hard to play against him.”

New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett paced Canada, which plays the loser between Germany and Team USA for the bronze on Sunday, with 23 while Brooks added 16.