Mavs' Luka Doncic, Josh Green Speak on FIBA World Cup Match
OKINAWA, Japan — When Australia and Slovenia face each other at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, it will be a matchup featuring Dallas Mavericks teammates, Luka Doncic and Josh Green.
"They are a very good team, great players," said Doncic after Thursday's practice when asked about Australia. "They play tough, it will be a very difficult match."
Doncic led Slovenia to a 3-0 record against Group F while averaging 30.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 3.0 steals. No player has been more productive thus far and the likeliest option to handle guarding him for Australia is Green, the team's top on-ball talent. It's a challenge that Green is ready to embrace on the big stage.
"Of course, it's always fun playing against competitive guys. It's going to be good," Green said. "I watch every game here [in Okinawa]. I think he worked on his body a lot, he's looking good, but I can't give you a full breakdown, we have a game [coming up]. He's an amazing player, I'm lucky enough to go against him in practice most days. Looking forward to it, should be fun."
"He's one of the best players in the world, so we will definitely have a lot of work with him," Green explained. "Coaches will come with the gameplan that I'm gonna follow, and I'll do what I can do."
FIBA
Doncic looks forward to facing Green in what will be a highly important contest in determining potential advancement to the quarterfinals, which would keep the hope of qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics alive.
"Yeah, it'll be fun," Doncic said of facing Green. "He's a great guy, great player, my teammate [with the Mavs]. It's going to be fun, for sure."
Doncic and Green have maintained contact throughout the World Cup and has watched his games when Slovenia's schedule has enabled him to do so. In Australia's most recent outing, Green was moved into the starting lineup, which was the role planned for him before sustaining an injury late in the preparation process. He finished with 15 points, three rebounds, and four steals in the 109-89 victory — his best performance of the World Cup.
"Yes, we've seen them a little when we had the time," Doncic said of watching Green. "As I've said, it will be a tough match, they really are a good team."
During the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games — held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic — there was a bet between Doncic and Green that the Slovenian superstar lost as a result of Australia winning the bronze medal game, 107-93. Doncic had to wear an Australia jersey when arriving at a Mavs game at the American Airlines Center. What's the best this time?
"No bet," Doncic said. "We can't bet games." What about with Australian jerseys?: "No, we can't.”
Green, who remains eligible for a contract extension with the Mavs ahead of the 2023-24 NBA regular season, will have a prime chance to showcase his value defensively by guarding Doncic. As for Doncic, he will look to dominate for Slovenia as the team's only active NBA player suiting up.
