Luka Doncic has etched his name into the history books once again, achieving his fourth triple-double in EuroBasket history during Slovenia’s crucial victory over Belgium, concluding the match with an impressive stat line of 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. This performance not only secured Slovenia’s first win of the tournament, with a final score of 86-69, but also solidified Doncic’s place among the elite players in EuroBasket history.
Doncic’s journey at EuroBasket has been a rollercoaster. After falling short in his quest for glory in 2022 and narrowly missing out against France in 2025, this latest triumph marks a significant milestone. His triple-double is the fourth recorded in the tournament’s history, following in the footsteps of renowned players such as Toni Kukoc, Rares Mandache, and Mateusz Ponitka. While Stojko Vrankovic also recorded a triple-double in 1993, it does not officially count due to the lack of block statistics at that time.
Despite being the lowest scoring game of the tournament for Doncic, who had averaged 35 points in the first two rounds, he showcased his versatility and playmaking skills. His ability to influence the game was evident as he took control in the second quarter, scoring 12 of his 26 points and helping Slovenia pull ahead, leading 43-31 at halftime. This victory was crucial for Slovenia, who had previously faced disappointing losses against Poland and France.
Doncic’s performance was a testament to his leadership and skill. He played a significant 30 minutes, ensuring that his team secured the win and his historic triple-double. His final assist came with a pass to Leon Stergar, marking his 10th assist of the game. He then further contributed with another assist to Klemen Prepelic before taking a seat with 2:38 left on the clock, having already sealed the game for Slovenia.
In terms of shooting, Doncic recorded 7 of 12 from two-point range but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only 2 of 11 three-point attempts. He also contributed defensively with three steals, though he had four turnovers and four fouls. His teammates provided essential support, with Klemen Prepelic scoring 12 points, Jan Stergar adding nine, and Edo Muric contributing eight.
Looking ahead, Slovenia is set to face Iceland in their next match, followed by a final showdown against Israel, as they aim to secure a strong finish in Group D. Doncic’s remarkable achievement at EuroBasket not only highlights his individual prowess but also raises intriguing questions about the future of the Los Angeles Lakers, the NBA team he represents. With Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka making the long journey to support Doncic, the implications of his performance extend beyond international competition, potentially influencing the Lakers’ strategies moving forward.
As Doncic continues to make waves on the international stage, basketball fans in the United States and around the world will be closely watching his journey, both in EuroBasket and as he returns to the NBA. His ability to perform at such a high level consistently places him among the elite players in the sport, and his future in the league remains a topic of great interest.
In summary, Luka Doncic’s historic fourth triple-double at EuroBasket not only cements his legacy in European basketball but also serves as a reminder of the talent and potential he brings to the NBA. As he navigates the challenges ahead, both in international play and with the Lakers, fans eagerly anticipate what he will accomplish next.