Slovenia is marching back into the EuroBasket quarterfinals, and once again it was Luka Doncic leading the way with a performance that will be remembered for years. The Dallas Mavericks star dropped 42 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and added three steals in an 8477 win over Italy in Riga.
Honestly, how do you defend this? You just pray it doesnt go in.#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/KiwEofUeWN
FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 7, 2025
After the game, Doncic didnt just talk about the numbers, he spoke about the bond that fuels Slovenias success.
Why are we special? Because everyone plays for each other, Doncic said. We get along great, the chemistry is at its peak. Sometimes we argue, but thats part of sports on the court, we just want to help each other. As I said before, all credit to the guys.
The 25-year-old admitted the battle with Italy was draining, but once again praised his teammates for their resilience.
It was exhausting, it was a very physical game, Doncic told reporters after the final buzzer. We know Italy has a lot of weapons, but in the end we held on. I always praise the guys, and Ill do it again now theyre playing great, we all lose or we all win together. All credit to everyone, we play for each other.
Italy clawed back in the third quarter, trimming the lead to seven, but Slovenia never lost control. Doncic explained how he adjusted as the game wore on.
They started defending me with switches, but then I found my rhythm and scored some points well, a few (laughs), then they doubled me, but our game was flowing, Doncic said.
Luka also admitted hes far from fully healthy.
Of course everything hurts, but well do the therapy and it will all be fine. I hope itll be okay, well do our best, he said.
With Germany up next, Doncic isnt backing down.
Before the tournament I already said that we believe and we move forward, Luka said. Now we face a very tough game against Germany, but we keep going.
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