Doncic Scores 34, But Slovenia Falls to Poland in EuroBasket 2025 Opener
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Slovenia’s bid for a medal at FIBA EuroBasket 2025 began with a 105-95 defeat to Poland, despite a standout performance from Luka Doncic.
The Los Angeles Lakers guard poured in 34 points on 7-for-14 shooting, added nine assists, four rebounds, five steals and two blocks, and converted 17 of 18 free throws. He scored 14 of Slovenia’s points in the first quarter, and the team trailed by just one at halftime.
Poland seized control with a 15-3 surge to open the third period and never relinquished the lead. The Polish side shot 59% from the field and 54% from three-point range, compared with Slovenia’s 48% overall and 34% from deep.
Jordan Loyd, an American-born guard who was briefly with the Toronto Raptors in 2018-19, paced Poland with 32 points and hit 7 of 8 attempts from long distance. Mateusz Ponitka contributed 23 points and seven rebounds, while Andrzej Pluta added 15 points and two steals.
Edo Muric scored 17 points for Slovenia, and Gregor Hrovat finished with 15.
Lakers governor Jeanie Buss and general manager Rob Pelinka attended the game to support Doncic, who emerged unscathed.
Slovenia’s schedule tightens quickly: the team faces tournament favorite France on Aug. 30 before meeting Belgium on Aug. 31 in back-to-back contests.
Source: Lakers Nation
