Did you see Luka Doncic’s EuroBasket performance? He put up historic numbers – 34 points, 9 assists, 5 steals – a first in tournament history! Yet, Slovenia still fell to Poland in a shocking upset. How did one player’s brilliance not translate to a win?
Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, made a highly anticipated return to international basketball with the Slovenian national team at EuroBasket 2025, only to have his record-breaking individual performance overshadowed by a stunning upset defeat at the hands of Poland.
Doncic’s comeback followed a significant offseason, during which he underwent a period of intense recovery and training. Fuelled by a desire to silence critics and elevate his national team, Slovenian fans harbored high expectations that he would lead them to a formidable finish in the tournament.
From the outset, Poland’s strategy was clear: disrupt Doncic at all costs. Their relentless defense involved constant physical harassment, including bumping and aggressive boxing out, with one player even resorting to using a shoulder to push the Slovenian away from the action, effectively aiming to throw him off his rhythm.
Despite the aggressive tactics, Doncic displayed his full offensive arsenal. He consistently employed his signature step-back jumpers, fadeaways, and slow-roll layups, tirelessly keeping Slovenia in contention for a victory. Even when faced with double teams, he masterfully navigated to the rim, adapting his plan of attack as defenses closed in.
Doncic’s individual brilliance culminated in a historic stat line: 34 points, 9 assists, and 5 steals. This incredible feat made him the first player in recorded EuroBasket history to achieve 30+ points, 5+ assists, and 5+ steals in a single game, a performance witnessed by the Lakers’ top brass, including the new owner, a minority stakeholder, and the General Manager, who were all in attendance.
Beyond his offensive fireworks, Doncic also addressed previous concerns about his defense. Utilizing his improved mobility, length, and heightened court awareness, he effectively slowed the Polish attack, racking up 5 steals and 2 blocks. This defensive effort demonstrated that when fully engaged, Doncic possesses the capability to be a significant two-way player, undoubtedly impressing the Los Angeles Lakers organization.
The Lakers had even sent a staff member to join the Slovenian coaching team, underscoring their commitment to Doncic’s development and their hopes for a successful 2025-26 NBA campaign. While the precise impact of their involvement remains unclear, Doncic undeniably played with a mission, showcasing both his offensive dominance and a surprisingly strong defensive commitment, even though the team ultimately fell short against Poland.
