Luka Doncic has been cleared to proceed Slovenia’s EuroBasket preparations after struggling a knee contusion in Saturday’s loss to Latvia, easing considerations forward of the staff’s last stretch of tune-up video games.
The Los Angeles Lakers famous person and Slovenian nationwide staff captain went down within the third quarter when a teammate crashed into his leg. He limped off and didn’t return, however the postgame prognosis revealed solely a bruise to his proper knee. Doncic was again with the total squad at observe on Monday, with no lingering results from the sequence.
Slovenia Nonetheless In search of First Win
Slovenia enters Tuesday’s matchup in opposition to Nice Britain nonetheless in search of its first exhibition win. The staff is 0-4 within the warm-up part, with losses to Lithuania, Italy, Germany and Latvia. Doncic has been the intense spot, scoring 26 factors in simply 20 minutes earlier than his early exit in Riga.
Head coach Aleksander Sekulic acknowledged the outcomes haven’t gone Slovenia’s approach, however emphasised that the staff’s focus stays on regular progress as EuroBasket approaches.
“It’s true that we have now not but recorded a victory within the matches, however there isn’t a nervousness within the staff,” Sekulic mentioned. “We all know what issues we have to enhance, we all know what we wish, and progress is seen daily. The need to win will definitely be even better, however we should not deviate from the trail we have now set.”
Slovenia began sturdy in Riga, constructing a 31-21 lead behind Doncic’s 15 first-quarter factors, however a poor third quarter proved expensive. Latvia used an 18-0 run to grab management, and Slovenia couldn’t recuperate regardless of rallying late.
Gregor Hrovat, who added 15 factors within the sport, mentioned the staff drew confidence from the way it responded when its chief left the ground.
“We competed effectively with them for 36 minutes, however these 4 originally of the second half value us a greater end result,” Hrovat mentioned. “I’m happy with how we got here collectively when Luka Doncic left the courtroom and proved that we are able to compete with the very best. I’ve a constructive feeling earlier than the subsequent matches.”
Luka Doncic, Slovenia Face Closing Exams Earlier than EuroBasket
Tuesday’s assembly with Nice Britain in Stozice Area represents Slovenia’s final dwelling sport earlier than EuroBasket. Nice Britain enters the competition with an 0-3 file in its friendlies after losses to France, Belgium and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Slovenians will then journey to Belgrade for a marquee take a look at in opposition to Serbia on Thursday. That sport marks their last preparation earlier than the EuroBasket group stage begins in Katowice, Poland, one week later.
Doncic, desirous to reconnect with Slovenian followers after the scare in Riga, made a direct enchantment for assist.
“Tomorrow we play a match in opposition to Nice Britain,” Doncic mentioned. “I hope to see as a lot of you as doable.”
