Slovenia is marching again into the EuroBasket quarterfinals, and as soon as once more it was Luka Doncic main the best way with a efficiency that will probably be remembered for years. The Dallas Mavericks star dropped 42 factors, grabbed 10 rebounds, and added three steals in an 84–77 win over Italy in Riga.
Truthfully, how do you defend this? You simply pray it doesn’t go in.#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/KiwEofUeWN
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 7, 2025
After the sport, Doncic didn’t simply speak concerning the numbers, he spoke concerning the bond that fuels Slovenia’s success.
“Why are we particular? As a result of everybody performs for one another,” Doncic stated. “We get alongside nice, the chemistry is at its peak. Generally we ‘argue,’ however that’s a part of sports activities – on the courtroom, we simply need to assist one another. As I stated earlier than, all credit score to the blokes.”
The 25-year-old admitted the battle with Italy was draining, however as soon as once more praised his teammates for his or her resilience.
“It was exhausting, it was a really bodily recreation,” Doncic advised reporters after the ultimate buzzer. “We all know Italy has lots of weapons, however in the long run we held on. I at all times reward the blokes, and I’ll do it once more now – they’re taking part in nice, all of us lose or all of us win collectively. All credit score to everybody, we play for one another.”
Italy clawed again within the third quarter, trimming the result in seven, however Slovenia by no means misplaced management. Doncic defined how he adjusted as the sport wore on.
“They began defending me with switches, however then I discovered my rhythm and scored some factors… properly, a couple of (laughs), then they doubled me, however our recreation was flowing,” Doncic stated.
Luka additionally admitted he’s removed from absolutely wholesome.
“In fact every part hurts, however we’ll do the remedy and it’ll all be superb. I hope it’ll be okay, we’ll do our greatest,” he stated.
With Germany up subsequent, Doncic isn’t backing down.
“Earlier than the event I already stated that we imagine and we transfer ahead,” Luka stated. “Now we face a really robust recreation in opposition to Germany, however we maintain going.”
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