So far, more than 40 Serbian basketball players have played at least one game in the world’s strongest basketball league – the NBA. In this article, we present their individual career-high scoring performances in an NBA game. From those who never scored a single point, to players who have put up more than 50 points in one night.
MILE ILIC (0 POINTS)
The popular “Yao Mile” made five NBA appearances for the then–New Jersey Nets, but always with extremely limited playing time. His average of 1.2 minutes per game wasn’t enough for him to score during his NBA career. A serious injury suffered in the G League didn’t help either, leading to his return to Europe and later a stint in the Middle East.
Ilic now runs an extremely popular YouTube podcast called “Jao Mile.”
RASTKO CVETKOVIC (2 POINTS)
Long before a certain guy from Sombor became the greatest player in the history of the Denver Nuggets, Serbia already had a player in this franchise. The son of legendary Red Star player and later football executive Vladimir Cvetković played for Denver in the 1995–96 season. In 14 games, he scored exactly 2 points in five different appearances — his career high.
He scored his first NBA points on December 29, 1995, in a loss against the Phoenix Suns.
FILIP PETRUSEV (3 POINTS)
During just one NBA season, Petrušev played for three teams: the Philadelphia 76ers, LA Clippers, and Sacramento Kings. He appeared in games only for the 76ers and Kings, recording his only NBA points — 3 — on November 20, 2023, in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
🏀 O jogador sérvio Filip Petrusev foi mandado embora de Sacramento.
Ele assinou hoje para jogar pelo Olympiacos da Grécia.#LightTheBeam pic.twitter.com/2kqW1Oxikc
— Central Sacramento Kings 🦁🇧🇷 (@CentralDoKings) November 28, 2023
Petrušev has played only 3 NBA games so far before returning to Europe, but it’s not too late for him to get another NBA opportunity.
KOSTA PEROVIC (4 POINTS)
Kosta Perović made seven total appearances for the Golden State Warriors, scoring 4 points in two separate games — his NBA career high. He first did so on January 19, 2008, in a road win against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Kosta Perović 🇷🇸 of the @warriors during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Oracle Arena on March 27, 2008 in Oakland.
Perović was the tallest player taken in the 2006 NBA Draft – 2.18 m (7 ft 2 in). #NBASerbia pic.twitter.com/kyrdiS5GqY
— NBA Serbia (@NBASrbija) May 17, 2020
After a brief G League stint, he returned to Europe to join Barcelona.
NEMANJA NEDOVIC (5 POINTS)
Another Serbian player in a Warriors uniform, Nemanja Nedović, had the misfortune of competing for minutes with Stephen Curry and the rest of the powerhouse roster during one of the league’s strongest eras. Nedović played 25 games for Golden State, including one playoff game. His career-high 5 points came on November 23, 2013, in a home loss to Portland.
MILOS BABIC (6 POINTS)
One of the first Serbians in the NBA, Miloš Babić, arrived from the University of Tennessee. He played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat.
Here’s something a little different. An @NBA tv slide of former @TTU_Basketball big man, Milos Babic! @TTUGoldenEagles @cavs #WingsUp pic.twitter.com/1cpli4bjWK
— Tennessee Tech Sports Cards (@TTUsportscards) June 29, 2020
His best scoring performance came in a road loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on December 29, 1991, when he scored 6 points.
OGNJEN KUZMIC (6 POINTS)
One of the few Serbian players to win an NBA Championship, Kuzmić appeared in 40 games for the Golden State Warriors over two seasons.
Kuzmić won both the 2014–15 NBA title with Golden State and the G League championship with the Santa Cruz Warriors that same year. He scored his career-high 6 points twice, first on April 16, 2014, in a road win against Denver. He later went on to win the EuroLeague with Real Madrid, making him the only Serbian player to win both NBA and EuroLeague titles.
ALEKSANDAR DJORDJEVIC (8 POINTS)
Known as “Sale Nacionale”, Aleksandar Đorđević joined the NBA after the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, already a proven star. His time in the league was disappointing — he played just eight games before returning to Europe, unhappy with his playing time.
He scored 8 points in two games, first reaching that number on December 1, 1996, in a road loss to Golden State.
IGOR RAKOCEVIC (9 POINTS)
Like Đorđević, Igor Rakočević returned to Europe after just one NBA season, unsatisfied with his minutes despite his reputation in Europe.
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Rakočević played 42 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves, with his best scoring performance — 9 points — coming on January 7, 2003, Orthodox Christmas, in a loss to Houston.
NIKOLA TOPIC (9 POINTS)
After numerous health problems, Nikola Topic finally played his first minutes on the NBA floor on February 12, 2026. He had 2 points in his debut, and a few days later he scored 9 points in a win over the Nets, which is also his current NBA career record.
Nikola Topić je protekle noći konačno imao svoj debi u najjačoj košarkaškoj ligi sveta. Nakon brojnih problema sa povredama i opakom bolešću, mladi srpski košarkaš je za 12 minuta u igri upisao 2 poena (1/3 iz igre), uz po skok i asistenciju. 👏🏀🇷🇸#nikolatopic #nbaliga #topic pic.twitter.com/u3JvAMuRUp
— sportazzo (@sportazzo) February 13, 2026
ALEN SMAILAGIC (10 POINTS)
Smailagić had a unique development path, joining the Golden State Warriors directly from KK Beko in Belgrade. He played 29 NBA games over two seasons, reaching double figures twice with 10 points — first on January 8, 2020, in a loss to Milwaukee.
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Smailagić has since returned to Europe, but still has time for another potential NBA stint.
DRAGAN TARLAC (10 POINTS)
Tarlac arrived to the Chicago Bulls at an inconvenient time — right after the end of the Michael Jordan dynasty and years of Bulls dominance, even though there had been talk he could have joined the NBA champions much earlier.
He played 43 games for Chicago, starting 12 of them, and recorded his single-game career high on December 5, 2000, when he scored 10 points in a loss to Minnesota.
PREDRAG SAVOVIC (11 POINTS)
Born in Pula and a University of Hawaii alum, Savović reached the Denver Nuggets after playing for Partizan, Beovuk, and Zorka Šabac. He played 27 games for Denver, and his best scoring night came on November 20, 2002, when he scored 11 points in a loss to Utah.
Predrag Savovic 🇷🇸 of the @nuggets poses during the NBA rookie photo shoot at St. Peter’s Prep on August 4, 2002 in Jersey City, New Jersey. pic.twitter.com/X6JVhY8LBl
— NBA Serbia (@NBASrbija) May 14, 2020
After the NBA he played for Charleroi in Belgium and Bilbao in Spain, and today he is a successful businessman.
RADISAV CURCIC (11 POINTS)
The first player from Čačak to reach the NBA, Radisav Ćurčić — also a 1990 World Champion with Yugoslavia — played 20 games for the Dallas Mavericks during the 1992–93 season.
His career-high came on January 26, 1993, when he scored 11 points against the Chicago Bulls.
ZARKO PASPALJ (13 POINTS)
In the summer of 1989, alongside Divac, Dražen Petrović, Marčiulionis, and Volkov, Paspalj became one of the first Europeans to join the NBA without playing college basketball in the United States. He was brought to the San Antonio Spurs by the legendary coach of Serbian descent, Gregg Popovich, who noticed him during a national team tournament in Dortmund.
However, things didn’t go as expected in the NBA — Paspalj appeared in only 28 regular-season games, and his best scoring performance came on January 20, 1990, when he scored 13 points against the Denver Nuggets. It was also the only time he reached double digits.
MIROSLAV RADULJICA (14 POINTS)
Miroslav Raduljica had two NBA stints. He first played for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013–14, then returned to the NBA with Minnesota in 2015 after a stop in China.
Miroslav Raduljica pic.twitter.com/fLAMWXTzqA
— Matthew O’Leary (@mjoleary2016) October 7, 2020
His first NBA stay was much more successful — all five of his double-digit scoring nights came that season. His career-high was 14 points, recorded on December 21, 2013, in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
MARKO GUDURIC (17 POINTS)
Marko Gudurić’s NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies started well, and his two best performances came early in the season. His career-high was 17 points in a road win over the Charlotte Hornets on November 13, 2019.
After appearing in 44 games during his rookie season, Memphis decided to part ways with him, leading to his return to Europe.
MILOS TEODOSIC (18 POINTS)
A proven international star, EuroLeague champion with CSKA Moscow, and captain of the Serbian national team, Miloš Teodosić finally decided to test himself in the NBA. His first season with the LA Clippers was solid — he averaged 9.5 points across 45 regular-season games. Injuries limited his playing time, and midway through his second season the team chose to move on.
Teodosić scored in double digits 23 times in the NBA, and his career-high came on January 26, 2018, when he dropped 18 points in a win over Memphis.
ZELJKO REBRACA (24 POINTS)
Another accomplished European star who took his talents to the NBA was Željko Rebrača. He played for the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and LA Clippers.
RANDOM ATHLETE OF THE DAY: Željko Rebrača, C (NBA – 2001-05)
TEAMS: Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers
FUN FACT: Rebrača was involved in the trade that sent All-Star forward Rasheed Wallace from Atlanta to Detroit. pic.twitter.com/qANEeMN2p2
— Random Athlete of the Day (@2DaysRandomAth) June 11, 2024
His best NBA season came with the Pistons, where he was named to the All-Rookie Second Team. His highest scoring game was on April 10, 2002, when he scored 24 points in a loss to the Chicago Bulls.
ALEKSANDAR PAVLOVIC (25 POINTS)
During his ten-year NBA career, Sasha Pavlovic played for the Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Hornets, Boston Celtics, and Portland Trail Blazers before returning to Europe.
Aleksandar (Sasha) Pavlović pic.twitter.com/TGMLGhGOsA
— Primeletics (@primeletics) March 10, 2023
His biggest impact was with the Cavaliers, where he became one of LeBron James’ key teammates. His career-high came on March 13, 2007, when he scored 25 points in a win over the Sacramento Kings.
MARKO JARIC (25 POINTS)
Marko Jarić played for three NBA teams: the LA Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Memphis Grizzlies. His best scoring games came early in his career with the Clippers, where he twice scored 25 points.
His first 25-point performance happened on December 1, 2002, in a loss to the Indiana Pacers.
DARKO MILICIC (25 POINTS)
Finally, we reach the famous No. 2 pick in the 2003 NBA Draft — often called one of the most talented draft classes ever. Although Darko Miličić is frequently labeled as one of the biggest draft busts, he did have some strong stretches during his nine-year NBA career.
He played for the Pistons, Magic, Grizzlies, Knicks, Timberwolves, and Celtics. Playing for Orlando, Memphis, and Minnesota, he reached 20+ points ten times. His career-high was 25 points, scored on December 14, 2010, in a loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Darko is known as the youngest player to win an NBA title. Read more:
VASILIJE MICIC (25 POINTS)
Like several of his Serbian predecessors, Vasilije Micić arrived in the NBA as an established European star — two-time EuroLeague champion, EuroLeague season MVP, and two-time Final Four MVP. Things didn’t work out for him in Oklahoma City, but the move to the Charlotte Hornets suited him perfectly.
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He scored 20+ points six times for Charlotte, and his career-high came on March 13, 2024, when he dropped 25 points on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies.
TRISTAN VUKCEVIC (28 POINTS)
The Washington Wizards selected Vukčević with the 42nd pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, and he joined the team after leaving Partizan late in the 2023–24 season. During his first two seasons with the Wizards, Vukčević reached double figures in scoring 20 times. His current career-high is 28 points, which he scored in a win over Washington on April 13, 2025, the final day of the regular season.
Tristan Vukcevic CAREER-HIGH 28 Points, 11 Rebs, 5 Assists full highlight vs Heat pic.twitter.com/XNTy6Kzt0G
— Hoops Showtime (@HoopsShowtime12) April 13, 2025
NENAD KRSTIC (29 POINTS)
Before becoming the captain of the Serbian national team under Dušan Ivković, Nenad Krstić had already established himself as a rising NBA talent. Playing for the New Jersey Nets alongside Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson, Krstić delivered strong performances night after night. He recorded 31 games with 20+ points for the Nets, and during his NBA comeback later in his career, he added three such games with Oklahoma City and one with the Boston Celtics.
Krstić’s most efficient game came on March 7, 2006, when he scored 29 points in a road loss to the Chicago Bulls.
ALEKSEJ POKUSEVSKI (29 POINTS)
Pokuševski entered the NBA as a major prospect, with some even calling him Kevin Durant’s successor—especially because he played for Oklahoma City. However, during his time with the Thunder and later the Charlotte Hornets, he struggled to secure a consistent role, eventually returning to Serbia to play for Partizan.
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Despite the ups and downs, Pokuševski had five 20+ point games during his rookie season. His career-high—29 points—came on May 16, 2021, against the LA Clippers.
NIKOLA JOVIC (29 POINTS)
A bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a silver medalist at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Nikola Jović has already posted ten 20+ point performances for the Miami Heat. His current career-high is 29 points, scored on November 8, 2025, in a home win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
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PREDRAG DANILOVIC (30 POINTS)
One of Europe’s elite players of his era, Sasha Danilovic left Virtus Bologna for the Miami Heat, where he fought his way into the starting lineup. Playing for Miami and later the Dallas Mavericks, he recorded eight games with 20+ points. His only 30-point outing came on December 9, 1995, in a road win over the Phoenix Suns—his NBA career-high.
Danilović had previous U.S. experience, having attended high school in Cookeville, Tennessee. Many believe his NBA career could have been even better had injuries not slowed him down.
VLADIMIR RADMANOVIC (30 POINTS)
Often considered the “wild child” of Serbian basketball, Vladimir Radmanović built a respected 12-year NBA career with the Seattle SuperSonics, both Los Angeles teams, the Charlotte Bobcats, Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, and Chicago Bulls.
We didn’t know it at the time but the 2003-04 Seattle Sonics provided a glimpse into the future when they featured two great “big man” shooters. Rashard Lewis and Vladimir Radmanovic combined for 763 3PA that season – the league high for a tandem of 6’10” (or taller) teammates. pic.twitter.com/kbPeCRb0hn
— NBADeepDives (@NBADeepDives) July 3, 2020
His best years came in Seattle, where he formed a memorable trio with Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. Radmanović scored 20+ points in 39 games—33 of them while playing for the SuperSonics. His lone 30-point game came on January 8, 2006, against the New York Knicks.
BOBAN MARJANOVIC (31 POINTS)
The gentle giant from Boljevac, Boban Marjanović, became one of the NBA’s most recognizable Serbian players thanks to his towering 224 cm frame and surprisingly soft shooting touch. Over nine NBA seasons, he played for the San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, LA Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets.
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He scored 20+ points four times, with his career-best performance coming on March 11, 2020, when he dropped 31 points on the Denver Nuggets while playing for Dallas.
NEMANJA BJELICA (34 POINTS)
One of only five Serbian NBA champions, Nemanja Bjelica played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat, and Golden State Warriors—winning a ring with the Warriors. He surpassed 30 points three times: once with Minnesota and twice with Sacramento.
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His career-high came on January 13, 2020, when he scored 34 points in a Kings win over Orlando.
VLADE DIVAC (34 POINTS)
Vlade Divac was the first true Serbian NBA star. He began his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, who later traded him to the Charlotte Hornets for Kobe Bryant. Divac then became a central figure in the legendary Sacramento Kings teams alongside Peja Stojaković, keeping fans in Serbia awake late at night during playoff battles with the Lakers.
Across 16 NBA seasons, Divac had six 30+ point games—five with the Lakers and one with the Kings. His career-high came on January 2, 2001, when he scored 34 points in an overtime win against the Phoenix Suns.
BOGDAN BOGDANOVIC (40 POINTS)
The captain of the Serbian national team and a former EuroLeague champion, Bogdan Bogdanović began his NBA career with the Sacramento Kings before moving to the Atlanta Hawks, where his strong play earned him Sixth Man of the Year consideration.
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Bogdanović has recorded nine 30+ point games so far. His career-high 40 points came on December 11, 2023, in a loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Read more:
Top 10 scorers in the history of the Serbian national basketball team
PEJA STOJAKOVIC (42 POINTS)
Although Peja Stojaković is best known for his years with the Sacramento Kings—and later for winning an NBA title with the Dallas Mavericks—his career-high performance came with the New Orleans Hornets on November 14, 2006, when he dropped 42 points on the Charlotte Bobcats.
A three-time All-Star, two-time Three-Point Shootout champion, and one of the greatest European shooters ever, Stojaković also had another 40+ point game, scoring 41 for the Kings on December 23, 2003.
NIKOLA JOKIC (61 POINTS)
A three-time MVP, NBA champion and Finals MVP, seven-time All-Star, and Olympic silver and bronze medalist, Nikola Jokić has already secured his place among the greatest players ever. He has 37 career games with 40+ points and four with 50+.
Jokić first reached 50 points on February 6, 2021, against the Sacramento Kings. He then raised his personal best to 53 points in the 2023 playoffs versus the Phoenix Suns. On December 8, 2024, he poured in 56 against the Washington Wizards.
Novi lični rekord fenomenalnog Nikole Jokića 🇷🇸! 🪄💯🃏
Nažalost, ni 6️⃣1️⃣ poen najboljeg košarkaša današnjice nije bio dovoljan Denveru da izbegne poraz od Minesote koja je slavila sa 140-139 nakon dva produžetka 🏀#nikolajokic #jokic #kosarka #nbaliga #zanimljivo pic.twitter.com/FZ0mUUZMPW
— sportazzo (@sportazzo) April 2, 2025
His current career-high—61 points—came on April 1, 2025, in a double-overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. All four of his record-setting games ended in defeats. His 61 points stand as the all-time scoring record for Serbian players in the NBA.
Here you can read who are the Serbian players who won the NBA title:
