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Luka Doncic Ejected, Slovenia Can Still Qualify for Olympics

Apr 9, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) sits by himself during a timeout in the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

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

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.

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.

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.

Ryan Menzie

Ryan Menzie

Ryan Menzie is a Los Angeles native who grew up loving sports thanks to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Baltimore Ravens. Playing basketball since he was seven years old, Ryan wanted to one day play professional sports. Of course, the dream was cut short and instead decided his best route to still be apart of the sports world is through his writing.

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