You won’t believe what happened at EuroBasket! Luka Dončić put up a legendary stat line, but a former G Leaguer completely stole the spotlight, leading his team to a massive upset. Was this the biggest shocker of the tournament so far?
The highly anticipated EuroBasket 2025 qualifier between Slovenia and Poland delivered an astonishing upset, transforming into an unexpected head-to-head spectacle. This gripping encounter pitted the formidable five-time All-NBA First Team honoree, Luka Dončić, against former G-Leaguer Jordan Loyd, with the latter emerging as the surprising hero in a truly memorable contest.
Despite his team’s defeat, Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Dončić showcased a monumental individual performance, etching his name into EuroBasket history. He amassed an astounding 34 points, complemented by four rebounds, nine assists, five steals, and two blocks. This extraordinary stat line, achieved on efficient 7-of-14 shooting from the field, made him the first player ever in EuroBasket to record over 30 points, five assists, and five steals in a single game.
Dončić’s physical condition was clearly optimal throughout the game, demonstrating no lingering signs of ill health. His offensive prowess was immediately evident, scoring within two minutes of tip-off after a pivotal steal from Loyd. He consistently asserted his will against a Polish defense that frequently resorted to fouling, leading to 17 of his points coming from a near-perfect 18 attempts at the free-throw line, highlighting his dominant presence on the court.
However, the night truly belonged to Jordan Loyd, whose electrifying offensive display undeniably stole the show. Loyd, a significant talent who once graced the G-League courts, delivered a career-defining performance, pouring in 32 points with exceptional shot-making. His seven successful three-pointers were a critical factor, powering Poland to an improbable 105-95 upset victory over the favored Slovenian squad.
Loyd’s heroic efforts were not just personally significant but also historically resonant for Polish basketball. His 32-point outing marked the highest scoring performance by a Polish player at EuroBasket since Dariusz Zelig’s 33 points against Czechia in 1987. This remarkable achievement underscored his pivotal role in orchestrating one of the tournament’s most stunning upset victories, showcasing the depth of basketball talent emerging from unexpected places.
Poland’s collective shooting was nothing short of sensational, particularly from beyond the arc. As a team, they converted an incredible 14 of 26 three-point attempts, achieving an outstanding 53.8% efficiency. This relentless long-range assault, spearheaded by Loyd’s sharpshooting, was instrumental in building and maintaining an early lead, ensuring they stayed ahead for nearly the entire game, defying all expectations for Slovenia basketball.
Looking ahead, the EuroBasket tournament continues to offer compelling matchups. Luka Dončić and Slovenia are set to rebound against France, an opportunity to demonstrate their resilience. Meanwhile, Jordan Loyd and Poland will aim to carry their momentum forward into their next game against Israel, with all eyes on whether this upset victory marks a turning point for the team and its future NBA prospects.
