Mavs' Luka Doncic Previews ‘Difficult Match’ vs. Josh Green, 'Great' Australia Team
OKINAWA, Japan — After finishing with a 3-0 record against Group F in the opening round of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Luka Doncic and Slovenia now prepare for a match against Australia on Friday. The superstar is averaging 30.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 3.0 steals — making him the most productive talent in the tournament.
"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."
As Doncic competes at the World Cup, the status of the non-contact quad injury that he dealt with to end the Mavs' season has been described as not fully healed. Doncic mentioned before the tournament began that it'll take time for it to ultimately heal. Now, he's dealt with very physical competition through three games. What's bothering him physically to this stage?
"A lot of stuff," Doncic said when asked about what's hurting him.
In the Doncic era, Slovenia came up short 107-93 against Australia during the Bronze Medal Game at the Tokyo Olympics in Aug. 2021. Doncic acknowledged underachievement in that match, but feels as though his team is prepared to execute this time around.
"We really didn’t play well in that game against Australia," Doncic said. "But we are prepared for it, that's why we are here, to play such matches."
Australia does have a new star, Josh Giddey, who wasn't involved in the Tokyo Olympic match, but will be a priority for Slovenia to account for when game-planning. The combination of size as a guard with passing and driving ability stands out about Giddey, but so does the improvement he's made in his jump shot.
FIBA
"Great player, I know him well from the NBA from OKC," Doncic said of Giddey. "He is very versatile. His shot is probably his weakest link but even that is pretty good."
Without wanting to reveal any tactical approaches, Doncic mentioned there is plenty of room for improvement for his team's performance.
"A lot of things," said Doncic, on what his team can improve. "We have to score more points than Australia to win the game."
While Doncic is focused on leading Slovenia to World Cup success, he did mention that he has remained in contact with Josh Green — his Dallas Mavericks teammate — who he will face when playing Australia.
"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."
Squaring off against Green is a matchup that he looks forward to having as he aims to help solidify Slovenia's path forward at the World Cup.
"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."
Will there be a bet made between Doncic and Green as there was during the Tokyo Olympic Games when Australia defeated Slovenia?
"No bet," Doncic said. "We can't bet games." What about with Australian jerseys?: "No, we can't.”
Doncic will be facing his new Mavs teammate, Dante Exum, in addition to his already familiar one in Green. Doncic has been observing Exum during the World Cup in addition to watching him play for Partizan in EuroLeague over the past few seasons. Doncic views him as being a helpful addition to the Mavs, describing him as a great defender.
"He's a great player," Doncic said of Exum. "I've been watching him. He was in EuroLeague recently in the last couple of years. I think he's a great player, a great defensive player, too. In Dallas, he's going to help us a lot."
As Slovenia moves forward to compete against the winners of Group E, which includes Australia and Germany, Doncic is satisfied with Slovenia's performance so far — even if against weaker competition.
"Yes, we didn't play the best of teams so far, but we beat them comprehensively and I am content," Doncic said.
Slovenia is no longer the favorites in their games as they are set to face tough opponents. Doncic is unbothered by the perception of outsiders entering his matchup as the goal is to defeat any opponent.
"I do not care," Doncic said about not being favorites after Group F play. "We play to win and that's it."
No player has ever recorded a triple-double in the history of the World Cup. Doncic was asked if he has motivation to be the first to do so, to which he replied: "Zero. Win games.”
