Some things don’t change for Luka Doncic. The fiery nature of the star point guard found himself at the mercy of the referees as tempers slowly flared.
Slovenia got bested in a FIBA World Cup quarterfinal matchup against Canada. A win that sent a ripple effect across the tournament and left Slovenia hanging by a thread for any Olympic hopes.
All is not entirely lost for Doncic and his home country, who lost to a formidable foe.
Luka Doncic Ejected, Slovenia Can Still Qualify for Olympics
Following his second technical foul, Luka Dončić has been ejected from the game. 😬#FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/Fpg05QOaMO
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 6, 2023
Dillon Brooks the Luka Doncic Killer?
The Memphis Grizzlies quickly became the villains of the NBA. The finger can be pointed toward star Ja Morant, but the name that quickly pops up in fans’ minds is Dillon Brooks.
Before their first-round playoff matchup, Brooks famously poked the bear, aka LeBron James. Brooks commented on the aging Los Angeles Lakers team and quickly paid the price.
While the hatred might’ve been over the top, Brooks quickly became a negative face for the NBA. Specifically from fans who were quick to dismiss him due to his poor stats throughout the season.
Brooks seemingly didn’t let the negativity get to him and is part of a special Canada team. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett, Canada beat a Doncic-led team 100-89.
Of course, the biggest storyline isn’t Gilgeous-Alexander and Barrett dropping 55 points combined. Instead, it’s Brooks (who was also ejected) jawing back and forth to give Luka his first technical. That would later lead to a frustrated Doncic landing his second technical, ejecting him from the game.
During postgame interviews, Doncic didn’t shy away from his frustration with the refs. Frustration that many may agree with.
"The referees told to one of the guys: 'We're not gonna call a foul on [Dillon Brooks] because he's coming at us.' … I know I complain a lot, but I don't think it's fair."
Luka Doncic on the officiating in the Slovenia-Canada game 👀pic.twitter.com/l8xWy0Jv3n
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 6, 2023
There Is Still Hope for Slovenia
The pride of playing for your own country is like no other. Doncic has expressed in past interviews that there is nothing he’d want more than winning a medal for his country.
Fortunately, Doncic’s chance is not quite over, despite the team’s best possible outcome being fifth place in the tournament. Slovenia will have a chance to be in the Olympics as long as they win a qualifying tournament next July.
With Slovenia’s loss, Germany and Serbia automatically take the final two spots to qualify for the Olympics out of Europe. It’s a game to learn from for Doncic, but it’s not over.
Having one of the top point guards in the world on your team is more than enough reason to keep trying. Despite being ejected, Doncic still led the team with 26 points, five assists and four rebounds.
As long as Doncic remains healthy and stays in the game, Slovenia will be challenging for any country.
Safe to say 🇵🇭 Philippines fan are routing for Luka Doncic & 🇸🇮 Slovenia ☺️#FIBAWC #WInForAll pic.twitter.com/BSds1kykiz
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) September 6, 2023
The Last Word on Luka Doncic and Slovenia Basketball
Mental errors can cost the game at any moment. Doncic is still young but plays like a vet.
The championship mentality of Doncic will pay huge dividends moving forward. World-class experience will also help boost the Dallas Mavericks into legit playoff contenders.
There’s no telling what Doncic’s future looks like in the NBA. Yet the argument can easily be made, seeing that Doncic is already turning into one of the best players the league has seen.
