Mavs' Luka Doncic Speaks on Slovenia 'Very Hard' Win Over Australia
OKINAWA, Japan — With the need to solidify qualification for the quarterfinals at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic and Slovenia achieved a pivotal 91-80 victory over an Australia team loaded with NBA talent.
"It was a very hard game," said Doncic, who finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. "Australia had to win no matter what. We went to the game, like we had to win no matter what. They have a great team, great players, but I'm really proud how we played today. We just stayed together no matter what."
After Australia had been picked apart by Dennis Schroder by utilizing a switching defense, the team had opted to deploy an aggressive scheme against Doncic by blitzing and double-teaming to get the ball out of his hands. He accepted the coverage and Slovenia took advantage.
"I think it was every possession," said Doncic of Australia's frequent defensive pressure. "I had two guys on me in every possession, but I think that's great. That's how we got all of the open looks. We stayed together. Honestly, I think we missed many open shots, but we shared the ball. It was amazing to watch. I'm really proud of this team."
FIBA
With Doncic getting into foul trouble early in the second quarter and continuing to remain in that position, Slovenia was placed in a position to rely on the unit as a whole to maintain an advantage. The results sustained consistently as the team held a lead for 39:31 of gameplay without ever trailing and led by as many as 19 points late. The most Australia achieved was a single tied score.
"Yes, I trust my teammates," Doncic said. "I got three fouls, eight minutes to go in the second quarter, which the first time I've seen the technical calls when you shoot the ball. I think once every game one player does it."
Before Slovenia competes in the quarterfinals, the team has one final matchup in Okinawa — against Germany. With Schroder leading the team's attack with a deep team, it'll be a strong test for Slovenia's defense.
"A great team," Doncic said of Germany ."They went 4-0 like we did. They have a great team every year. They have an amazing team. Obviously, Dennis Schroder is an amazing player. We are going to enjoy tonight. Sleep. Not think about the game yet."
Slovenia has already solidified its path to Manila to compete at the quarterfinals, but the opponent the team plays will be determined by the outcome of Sunday's game against Germany. With a win, Slovenia would avoid Team USA until a potential meeting in the championship game. A loss could result in an early meeting.
