Luka Doncic says quarterfinal exit “hurts,” but lauds Slovenia’s fight at EuroBasket 2025
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RIGA, Latvia — Slovenia’s Cinderella run at FIBA EuroBasket 2025 ended on Sept. 10 with a 99-91 quarterfinal loss to Germany, despite a near triple-double from Luka Doncic.
The Los Angeles Lakers star poured in 39 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists at Arena Riga, carrying a roster short on NBA talent against a German squad featuring several league veterans. After the buzzer, Doncic acknowledged mixed emotions.
“One hundred percent angry,” he told reporters, according to the account Luka Updates. “I could play better in the last moments when the game was on the line. I didn’t make the right decisions, but we all fought from start to end.”
Later, the 26-year-old posted the word “PROUD!” on his Instagram story, underscoring satisfaction with Slovenia’s effort during a tournament run that included an upset victory over Italy in the round of 16.
Doncic, already Slovenia’s all-time leading scorer in international play, embraced a larger scoring role throughout EuroBasket. His production has fueled early MVP buzz ahead of the Lakers’ 2025-26 campaign, where Los Angeles will lean heavily on the four-time All-NBA guard.
Germany’s win advances the nation to the EuroBasket semifinals. Slovenia heads home, but with its star acknowledging both frustration and pride after pushing a favored opponent to the brink.
Source: LakersNation.com
