Luka Doncic Shines Despite Slovenia’s EuroBasket Exit vs Germany

Luka Doncic -Slovenia’s hopes of claiming a gold medal at EuroBasket 2025 came to a heartbreaking end on Wednesday night, as it fell 99-91 to Germany in the quarterfinals.

For three quarters, it looked as though Luka Doncic and his teammates might be on the verge of a statement victory. Slovenia exploded out of the gates, racing to a 32-21 lead after the opening quarter behind hot shooting and crisp ball movement. It maintained a slim advantage through most of the contest, still leading 74-70 heading into the final 10 minutes.

But Germany, widely tipped as tournament favorites, showed its championship pedigree in the closing stretch. By playing precise offense and tight defense, the reigning World Cup champions defeated Slovenia 29–17 in the fourth quarter to secure their spot in the semifinals.

In yet another of his signature all-around performances, he added 10 rebounds and seven assists, almost leading his team into the final four.

While his efficiency wavered at times, Doncic’s relentless attacking gave Slovenia a chance to topple a deeper, more balanced German squad. His actions garnered recognition throughout Europe, solidifying his place among the top players in the competition.

Looking ahead for Doncic

Although Slovenia’s run ends earlier than hoped, Doncic’s summer may still pay dividends as the NBA season approaches. The 25-year-old entered EuroBasket in noticeably improved shape after an offseason training overhaul. His ability to sustain high-level play deep into games suggests he is ready to carry that conditioning into training camp and the upcoming NBA campaign.

With just weeks to go before the Los Angeles Lakers’ training camp opens, all eyes will be on Doncic to see how his EuroBasket form translates to the hardwood back in the United States. For now, however, Slovenia can only reflect on what might have been after letting a golden opportunity slip away in Cologne.