Luka Dončić scores 22 of 42 points in 1st quarter to lead Slovenia past Italy in another big effort at Eurobasket
Luka Dončić continues to cook at Eurobasket.
The Slovenian superstar who led his country to the 2017 title was in prime form on Sunday.
Dončić tallied 42 points, 10 rebounds and three steals to lead Slovenia to an 84-77 win over Italy in the round of 16. With the win, Slovenia advances to a quarterfinal matchup against Germany.
Dončić set the pace and took over the game from the opening tip. Italian defenders were helpless to stop him as Dončić worked from inside and out en route to 22 first-quarter points to double up the Italians by himself as Slovenia jumped out to 29-11 first-quarter lead.
Imagine waking up knowing you'll have to guard Luka Doncic.
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 7, 2025
Luka has 22 in the first quarter.#EuroBasket | #MakeYourMarkpic.twitter.com/3rfC6HlQ4r
Italy cut its deficit to 50-40 by halftime and rallied to get withing 78-77 in the game's final two minutes.
But Dončić hit a pair of free throws to extend the Slovenia lead to three points, then hit two more to extend Slovenia's lead to 82-77 with 32 seconds remaining. Italy did not score again as Slovenia held on for the seven-point win.
The effort continued a sizzling streak for Dončić, who entered Sunday's game averaging 32.4 points, 8.4 assists and eight rebounds in Eurobasket play. Now he has Slovenia three wins away from a Eurobasket championship.
Much was made about Dončić's offseason focus on fitness as he approaches his first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers. So far, the effort appears to be paying off for Slovenia and give Lakers fans plenty to be excited about for the upcoming NBA season.
from Yahoo Sports https://ift.tt/3vQBKd2
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