Hook 34+4+9! The best Doncic did his best: the two strong men were absent and he was isolated and helpless

The best Doncic met the worst national team lineup. Doncic gave all his strength in the first match of the 2025 Men's Basketball European Championship, but still couldn't win. The Slovenian men's basketball team lost 95 to 105 to the host Poland team. Doncic played 36 minutes and 19 seconds in this game, making 7 of 14 shots, 3 of 9 three-pointers, 17 of 18 free throws, and scored 34 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, 5 steals and 2 blocks. Polish naturalized player Jordan Loyd contributed 32 points in his European Championship debut, including 7 of 8 three-pointers. Bonetka contributed 23 points and 7 rebounds.

Slovenia was able to compete with Poland in the first half under Doncic's leadership, taking the first lead of the night before the end of the half. But in the second half, Slovenia exposed its shortcomings in insufficient lineup depth. Doncic deeply felt the feeling of being alone. Poland started the second half with a 15-3 offensive wave, setting the tone of winning in one fell swoop. Doncic was unable to reverse the game despite his outstanding performance on both offense and defense. Loyd praised Doncic at a post-match press conference: "He is one of the best players in the world, and he is always surrounded by great attention, news and media coverage. It's really great to be able to compete with him. I have a lot of respect for everything he has achieved. But when you stand opposite, you turn that energy into motivation. As a team, we use it as an inspiration. We have to remain humble, but on the other hand, he has to respect us. Luca is Luca, and I have given him the greatest recognition and respect, but our team is better tonight."

Polish coach Milicic praised the players for their confidence in the game: "The confidence of the players comes from our work, and we have put in a lot of efforts in preparation, both tactical and psychological. Even when the situation is facing us, we have many choices to deal with both offense and defense. We always believe in each other and fight for each other. I don't think it is accidental for us to defeat Slovenia or Luka Doncic."

Slovenian men's basketball team and France, Israel, Poland, Iceland and Belgium were in Group D. This grouping is pretty good, and the top four in the group are qualifying. The Slovenian men's basketball team still has a considerable chance to qualify, after all, Belgium and Iceland have relatively poor strength. However, Slovenia cannot be taken lightly.

The Slovenian men's basketball team scored too few points. In this game, three players in the team scored in double digits, Muric scored 17 points, and Grovat scored 15 points. It has to be said that the absence of two main players, Qian Chal and naturalized center Josh Nebo, has hit the Slovenian men's basketball team very hard. If these two main players are here, Slovenia has the strength to enter the top eight and even has the chance to hit the medal. But now, it would be nice for Slovenia to qualify from the group.

teammate Muric also mentioned the topic of qualifying in the group after the game: "They shot a lot of difficult goals and their condition is hot. We fought to the last moment, and I am proud of the players. They played the best game. The opponents in this group are very strong, and we need to focus on the next game and strive to qualify in the group."

For Josh Nebo not playing in the European Championship, Doncic's father Sasha was very angry before. "This situation is unusual. How should we deal with it? Currently, we are focused on the European Championship. After the game is over, we will have to solve this problem, including discussions with the Slovenian government. Josh Nebow was awarded Slovenian citizenship for playing basketball, and if he doesn't want to play basketball, I don't understand the meaning of continuing to work together." Obviously, Sasha hopes that the Slovenian men's basketball team will change to a naturalized player. After all, Doncic alone can't lead this Slovenian men's basketball team, whose strength has declined seriously.