Luka Doncic usually gives opposing NBA players headaches, but on Friday morning, he was a problem for Australia during the FIBA World Cup.
His native Slovenia defeated Australia, 91-80, even though Australia keyed in on him and double-teamed him quite often.
Doncic told Grant Afseth how he and his team were able to overcome Australia’s defensive scheme.
I asked Luka Doncic to evaluate how he and Slovenia executed against Australia’s aggressive blitzing and double-teaming in the win.
”I think it was every possession. 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… pic.twitter.com/eHkbCedkOg
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) September 1, 2023
Doncic had 19 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in the win, and as a result, Slovenia is now 4-0 in group play.
If Slovenia is to advance to the championship round and face Team USA, one must expect Doncic to be fully up to the task.
He has become one of the more deadly players in the NBA during crunch time, and his step-back 3-point shot in such situations is an immense weapon.
Once the FIBA World Cup ends, Doncic will take on the task of making his Dallas Mavericks into winners, something they haven’t been for a number of years.
Despite trading for Kyrie Irving in February, they failed to reach the play-in tournament this past season, and although they had made a few additions on the margins, they don’t look a lot better roster-wise heading into the new season.
As always, the Western Conference will be deep, and unless the Mavs suddenly find some defensive muscle, the likes of which they lacked during the 2022-23 season, they could be on the outside looking in during the postseason next spring.
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Stats Show Luka Doncic Is Leading World Cup In 1 Major Category
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