Alimpijević Surprises with Comments on Jokić After Italy Win: "He Refused to Leave the Team, We're Proud to Have Such a Captain!"

"I have to be very happy with this victory because we played in a great atmosphere, against a good coach and a strong team. We knew how dangerous Italy could be. I believe we did a pretty good job defensively. What I'm particularly proud of is that my team played like a family. They relished in tough, aggressive defense, and the impact of the guys off the bench was incredible. This is our second game in this window, and they are hugely important to our team," Alimpijević stated.

"Also, what I want to say, and what's most important, is that everyone played at their maximum and gave their all. But this gentleman, who was next to me, was very ill these past few days. He refused to give up and leave his team. He came to play, he didn't complain, he didn't tell us anything. He did what he did. That's why we are proud to have a captain like him," Alimpijević emphasized.

"On the other hand, all the guys who brought that extra energy, rebounds, incredible defense... I can't leave anyone out. Maybe they weren't hitting every shot, but they did so much, the dirty work, pushing, playing good defense, rebounding, stopping opposing players. Tanasković, Gudurić, Dobrić, Lakić... Everyone gave their maximum tonight," Alimpijević concluded.