There are players who earn the microwave for getting hot on offense in an instant. And then there’s whatever Luka Doncic was on against Italy.
Doncic outscored Italy 22-11 in the first quarter. Hand in his face. No space. Even with the intent to erase. Doncic could not be denied.
In fact, it took almost six minutes in the second quarter for the Italians to outscore him and once they did, they were able to get back into the game. By then, though, it was clear the haymakers Doncic threw in the opening quarter were just enough to put the game out of reach despite Italy’s late rally.
Stopping Doncic in EuroBasket 2025 has become more of a suggestion as the five-time All-NBA First Team selection currently leads the competition in scoring by a mile. His average of 34.0 points per game is still ahead of the 30.0 points Giannis Antetokounmpo averages for Greece through four games.
Doncic already owns the second-highest single-game scoring record in EuroBasket history and he could have easily broken that and may have very well come close to surpassing Eddy Terrace’s record of 63 points if he sustained his early offensive momentum.
Strong performances like these have become the norm for Doncic in EuroBasket 2025, so much so that it’s not even surprising that the five-time NBA All-Star can find ways to top his previous showings. Teams have long scouted him in FIBA and NBA competitions, but Doncic always finds a way to score and make plays. It’s also been evident that Doncic’s offseason work to get his body right has been yielding results. The ill-advised shots have been replaced by more deliberate ones and it has translated to wins.
Going forward in EuroBasket 2025 and even in the NBA, Doncic must learn to overcome the blitzes he encounters and the physicality of opposing teams. At times, Slovenia tends to look overly Doncic-centric that teams put him on an island and watch as Doncic’s teammates move the ball around without their star. Germany has the personnel to expose this all the more while also forcing Doncic to work on defense. Complicating matters is how Doncic was seen managing through a leg injury, something he does not want to aggravate at the expense not only of his country, but also of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Slovenia will only go as far as Luka Doncic takes them and his huge performances in EuroBasket 2025 have them thinking of a podium finish. They will have to tread carefully, though, as the competition gets tougher amid the lingering risk of injury. Nonetheless, Doncic has put the world on notice with his play, and it’s clear that he can make an impact in a flash.
