Luka Doncic and the Slovenian nationwide group had a forgettable begin to the 2025 EuroBasket, struggling losses towards Poland and France. Nevertheless, they snapped the skid with an 86-69 win over Belgium. This victory comes as a much-needed enhance and retains their playoff hopes alive.
Slovenia is fourth in Group D, behind Poland, Israel and France. Poland has secured a playoff spot, whereas Israel and France are just one win away from doing so of their subsequent two video games. Belgium and Iceland, in fifth and sixth, respectively, are out of competition to qualify on Tuesday.
For Slovenia, although, its quest for the title remains to be open. A win on Sept. 2 will put them in place to qualify, provided that Israel and France win towards Belgium and Poland, respectively. That might ship Luka Doncic and co. into the Spherical of 16.
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Their last place within the group, and consequently their opponent within the knockouts, might be decided after their final group-stage sport on Thursday towards Deni Avdija’s Israel.
Luka Doncic etches title in historical past books throughout win over Belgium
After dropping their first two video games at EuroBasket 2025, Luka Doncic rose to the event on Sunday with an enormous efficiency in Slovenia’s win over Belgium.
He notched up simply the fourth triple-double in a EuroBasket marketing campaign historical past, ending with 26 factors, 11 assists and 10 rebounds.
The night time was additionally particular for one more cause, as Doncic crossed the 400-point mark throughout all EuroBasket appearances, turning into the youngest since Tony Parker to succeed in that milestone, at 26 years and 184 days.
Contained in the locker room, his teammates had been filled with reward, however none of them had been shocked, because it was Luka doing what he’s finest recognized for.
“(The triple double) is regular, we had been simply ready for the second, and it occurred in the present day. We have to maintain going, keep collectively. That is an important for our nation,” Alen Omic mentioned.
“He is breaking data, and I’ve at all times believed he may do that. This can be a regular day on the workplace for him. I am much more glad that in the present day we confirmed we will play good protection, and that we gained,” Edo Muric added.
Three video games into the match, Doncic has been nothing wanting spectacular. Together with his leaner physique, he has been dominating opponents, averaging 28.1 factors, 8.3 rebounds and seven.8 assists per sport.
Edited by Bhargav