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Golden State Warriors’ signing the lead scorer in national team’s huge win

By Peter O'Keefe

ISTANBUL, TURKIYE - AUGUST 20: Omer Yurtseven (R) of Turkiye in action against Dario Saric (L) of Croatia during the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament final match between Turkiye and Croatia at Sinan Erdem Dome in Istanbul, Turkiye on August 20, 2023. (Photo by Mehmet Murat Onel/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
ISTANBUL, TURKIYE - AUGUST 20: Omer Yurtseven (R) of Turkiye in action against Dario Saric (L) of Croatia during the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament final match between Turkiye and Croatia at Sinan Erdem Dome in Istanbul, Turkiye on August 20, 2023. (Photo by Mehmet Murat Onel/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) /
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Croatian captain and new Golden State Warriors‘ signing Dario Saric has led his national team to victory in the final of the FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Turkey.

Saric showcased his offensive versatility and skillset throughout the tournament, culminating in a 22-point performance as a dominant first-half helped Croatia to an 84-71 win over the host nation.

New Golden State Warriors’ big man Dario Saric has led Croatia to a place at the 2024 FIBA Men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Coming up against NBA talent in Alperun Sengun, Omer Yurtseven and Furkan Korkmaz, Saric took on more responsibility as a scoring threat in the final. Having led his team in assists throughout multiple games during the tournament, the 29-year-old showed his scoring intent early with a couple of hard drives to the rim.

Saric’s offensive skillset was on full display, taking advantage of his driving threat by knocking down four of nine three-point attempts during his 35 minutes on the floor. The eight-year NBA veteran finished with 22 points on 9-for-15 shooting, also adding 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals in a strong outing.

Croatia were dominant throughout the tournament, finishing with a 5-0 record to help make amends for their absence from the upcoming FIBA World Cup. Saric was at the head of their superiority, finishing as a +93 on the floor over the five games.

Saric had 18 points (5-for-9 shooting), eight rebounds, three assists and a steal during his team’s 85-70 win over Ukraine in the semifinal. He earlier had an astonishing 12-assist display in Croatia’s final group game against the Netherlands.

The 6’10” big dropped 17 points, three rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block in the opening game of the tournament, before adding nine points, four rebounds and seven assists in another game against Sweden.

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While it may not be the highest level of international competition, Saric’s strong form is still a major positive ahead of his first season with the Warriors. After signing a one-year, minimum contract in free agency, he’s expected take on an important role with Golden State as a backup power-forward and small-ball center.

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