Luka Doncic Escapes Injury, Given Clearance for EuroBasket Competition
Slovenia's head coach, Aleksander Sekulic, has been leading the national basketball team in their preparations for the upcoming EuroBasket group stage. The team has been facing some challenges, as they recently suffered a loss against Latvia in an exhibition game.
The game, played in Slovenia, started strongly for the home team with a 31-21 lead. However, a poor third quarter proved costly, and Latvia managed to seize control with an 18-0 run. Despite Luka Doncic's impressive 26 points in just 20 minutes before his early exit due to an injury, Slovenia could not recover and ultimately lost the game.
Doncic, who has been the bright spot for Slovenia in their exhibition games, limped off in the third quarter after a teammate crashed into his leg. Postgame diagnosis revealed only a bruise to his right knee, and he has since been cleared to continue Slovenia's EuroBasket preparations.
The injury occurred just before Slovenia's final preparation game before the EuroBasket group stage, which will be against Serbia. The game will take place after the home game against Great Britain, which Slovenia will play in Stozice Arena on Tuesday. Great Britain enters the contest with an 0-3 record in its friendlies.
Sekulic has emphasized that the team's focus remains on steady progress as EuroBasket approaches. Despite the loss against Latvia, he stated that there is no nervousness in the team, and progress is visible day by day. Gregor Hrovat added 15 points in the game against Latvia, further demonstrating the team's potential.
The EuroBasket group stage will begin one week after the game against Serbia, in Katowice, Poland. Slovenia has not won any of its exhibition games, with losses to Lithuania, Italy, Germany, and Latvia. However, the team remains optimistic and determined to make a strong showing in the tournament.
In a direct appeal for support, Doncic himself asked for the public's backing ahead of the game against Great Britain. The team is eager to turn their exhibition game losses into victories, and with Doncic's return to full practice on Monday, they are one step closer to doing so.
BREAKING: In unrelated news, Luka Doncic has signed a three-year extension with the Lakers, securing his future with the team.
The Slovenian national basketball team looks forward to continuing their EuroBasket preparations, with their sights set on a strong showing in the tournament. The team's final home game before EuroBasket will be against Great Britain on Tuesday, and fans are encouraged to come out and support the team.
