Slovenia Triumphs over Belgium in EuroBasket, Thanks to Luka Dončić's Remarkable Triple-Double Performance
Slovenia Secures First Win of EuroBasket 2025 with Doncic's Triple-Double
In a thrilling game against Belgium, Slovenia clinched their first victory of EuroBasket 2025, thanks to a stellar performance from Luka Doncic. The win improves Slovenia's record to 1-2 in Group D, moving them closer to securing a spot in the knockout stage, which is reserved for the top four teams from each group.
Doncic, who had earlier experienced frustration in the tournament, scoring 34 and 39 points in two narrow defeats, put on a masterclass against Belgium. He scored 26 points, had 11 assists, and 10 rebounds, earning him a triple-double – a feat he shares with Mateusz Ponitka, Rares Mandache, Toni Kukoc, and Stojko Vrankovic as the only players to ever post a triple-double in EuroBasket competition.
Aleksander Sekulic, Slovenia's coach, emphasised Doncic's focus and leadership throughout the game. His teammate, Alen Omic, stated that Doncic's triple-double was inevitable due to his responsibility for the national team.
Slovenia out-rebounded Belgium, with a score of 43-31, and dominated the paint, scoring 40-18. They built a 21-point lead in the fourth quarter against Belgium and never trailed after the opening minute, resulting in an 86-69 victory.
Emmanuel Lecomte, a Belgian player, stated that his team struggled to handle Doncic's presence, and every defensive scheme led to mismatches. Dario Gjergja, Belgium's coach, stated he would have preferred Doncic to score more points. However, Edo Muric, another Slovenian teammate, was glad that they played good defense and won.
Slovenia had seven players score at least six points against Belgium. Gregor Hrovat, who played as Luka Dončić's lookalike (similar role as point guard) in the Slovenian national team at EuroBasket 2025, contributed significantly to the team's success.
With this win, Slovenia will face Iceland on Tuesday and Israel on Thursday in their remaining group play matches. Doncic, after his impressive performance, stated that he will continue to take responsibility for improving his performance in the upcoming games.
Read also:
- Recognition of Exceptional Patient Care: Top Staff Honored by Medical Center Board
- A continuous command instructing an entity to halts all actions, repeated numerous times.
- California Senator Kamala Harris announces she will not seek the governorship in 2026, instead hinting at future professional ventures.
- Survey on Life Prolongation Methods
