Luka Doncic pushed Slovenia into the knockout phase of FIBA EuroBasket 2025 on Tuesday, guiding his team past winless Iceland, 87-79, at Spodek Arena in Katowice, Poland.
The NBA All-Star battled early foul trouble but still delivered 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals. The victory lifts Slovenia to six points in Group D, ensuring a place in the tournament’s round of 16.
Doncic logged only 14 minutes before halftime, hitting 3-of-10 shots and missing all four attempts from deep. He entered the break with nine points, and Slovenia clung to a 41-40 edge.
The tide turned in the third quarter. Slovenia outscored Iceland 24-11, with Doncic pouring in 10 points and sinking a pair of three-pointers to create a double-digit cushion that held the rest of the way.
Aleksej Nikolic added 17 points and five assists for the winners. Iceland’s Martin Hermannsson posted 22 points and six assists but committed seven of his team’s 20 turnovers; Slovenia finished with just eight giveaways.
All four Group D berths are now settled, with Slovenia joining Israel, Poland and France in the last 16. Across the competition, 12 nations have secured advancement.
Next Up
Slovenia concludes group play Thursday at 8 a.m. PT against Israel, led by Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija. A win could lift Slovenia to second place in the group, while a loss may set up a round-of-16 meeting with heavyweights such as Serbia or Germany.
Source: lakersnation.com
