Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers’ superstar, is making headlines this summer as he competes for Slovenia in EuroBasket 2025. The tournament has provided Doncic with an opportunity to showcase his skills against some of Europe’s toughest competition, but it has also brought its share of physical play. In a recent match against Poland, Doncic found himself in the thick of a chippy encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats.
During the game, Doncic faced off against Polish small forward Michal Sokolowski in a heated exchange that drew gasps from the crowd. The two players battled fiercely throughout the night, and tensions escalated when Sokolowski appeared to tackle Doncic, prompting the Lakers star to plead his case to the officials. Despite his protests, no foul was called, and the game continued, reminiscent of Doncic’s days playing for Spain’s powerhouse Real Madrid.
Despite the physicality of the matchup, Doncic delivered an impressive performance, finishing with 34 points, 9 assists, and 5 steals. This remarkable feat made him the first player in EuroBasket history to achieve 30 or more points, 5 or more assists, and 5 or more steals in a single game. However, Slovenia ultimately fell to Poland, 105-95, in a surprising upset that marked a challenging start to the tournament for the Slovenian team.
The intensity didn’t let up for Doncic, as he faced another formidable opponent in France shortly after. In a high-scoring affair that featured 12 lead changes and 15 ties, Slovenia put up a strong fight but ultimately lost to France, 103-95. Doncic once again shone brightly, scoring a game-high 39 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.
Concerns had been raised about France’s leadership and playmaking capabilities heading into EuroBasket, but point guard Sylvain Francisco quickly silenced those doubts. In the match against Slovenia, he not only led all French scorers with 32 points but also dished out 5 assists, proving himself as a key player in France’s success.
As Doncic continues to compete in EuroBasket, he is also preparing for his first full season with the Lakers, who are aiming for a championship run alongside LeBron James. The experience and intensity of international play are expected to keep Doncic sharp and ready for the upcoming NBA season.
With EuroBasket 2025 underway, fans are eagerly watching Doncic’s performance, not just for his scoring ability but for the passion and intensity he brings to the court. As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see how he and Slovenia navigate the challenges ahead, especially with fierce competitors like Poland and France in the mix.
In the world of basketball, every game counts, and Doncic’s determination to lead Slovenia to victory is a testament to his competitive spirit. As the NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Doncic to see how he translates this international experience into success for the Lakers.