Luka Doncic delivered a stellar performance for Slovenia, scoring 42 points in an 84-77 victory over Italy during the Round of 16 at EuroBasket 2025. The Los Angeles Lakers star not only showcased his scoring prowess but also contributed 10 rebounds and three steals, further solidifying his status as one of the tournament’s standout players.
Entering the match as EuroBasket 2025’s leader in scoring, steals, and overall efficiency, Doncic made an immediate impact. However, his game began with a scare as he took a hard fall after colliding with Italy’s Alessandro Pajola just a minute into the contest. Despite appearing shaken and briefly leaving the court for treatment after the first quarter, Doncic maintained his high level of play throughout the game.
He finished the night shooting 11-of-19 from the field, including five three-pointers, and converted an impressive 15 of 16 free throws. Slovenia’s offensive effort was bolstered by Klemen Prepelic, who added 11 points off the bench, helping to keep the team’s scoring balanced.
The game was fiercely competitive, with Italy managing to recover from a poor start and narrowing Slovenia’s early lead to just one point at 78-77 late in the fourth quarter. However, Slovenia regained composure in the closing moments, executing crucial defensive stops and sinking free throws to secure the win.
Head coach Aleksander Sekuli praised Doncic’s resilience, noting that the guard consistently faces physical challenges yet remains a pivotal figure for Slovenia. Doncic himself acknowledged the discomfort from his fall but expressed his determination to continue playing and receive treatment afterward.
This remarkable performance raised Doncic’s tournament averages to 34.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 3.2 steals per game. His contributions have been instrumental in Slovenia’s advancement, allowing the team to remain competitive against some of Europe’s strongest squads.
Looking ahead, Slovenia is set to face Germany in the quarterfinals, a matchup that features NBA talents Franz Wagner and Dennis Schröder. Analysts suggest that Germany has been one of the more consistent teams in the tournament, but Slovenia can draw confidence from their recent results and Doncic’s dominant play.
The Round of 16 also saw early exits for major contenders like France and Serbia, highlighting the unpredictable nature of EuroBasket 2025. Slovenia’s ability to advance past Italy, despite injury concerns for their star player, is a testament to both the team’s depth and Doncic’s impact on both ends of the court.
Doncic’s performance in Riga has reinforced his status as one of the top players in international basketball. Beyond just scoring, his ability to create opportunities, secure rebounds, and disrupt opposing offenses makes him an invaluable asset for Slovenia. His leadership will be crucial as the team prepares for the challenging quarterfinal matchup against Germany.
As the knockout stage continues, Slovenia’s success will largely depend on maintaining Doncic’s efficiency while also leveraging contributions from the supporting cast. If the team can replicate the cohesion and execution displayed against Italy, they will remain strong contenders for a deep run in the tournament.