Despite Heartbreaking FIBA Loss, Luka Doncic?s Iconic Feat Gains Shaquille O?Neal?s Silent Approval

NBA superstar Luka Doncic was on a scoring rampage throughout the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The Dallas Mavericks star shouldered Slovenia’s scoring in the tournament. Doncic led everyone in scoring as he helped his country clinch the 7th spot. Even though he had bigger aspirations for Slovenia, Luka can be proud of the way he fought for his nation. Unsurprisingly, his stats from the tournament have impressed a lot of fans. It has even received the approval of NBA legend Shaquille O?Neal as well.

O’Neal is a huge fan of Doncic. In fact, he has made that clear multiple times already. Notably, the Los Angeles Lakers legend once showered praise on the forward for his resilience despite an injury.

Shaquille O’Neal shared Luka Doncic’s achievements

Luka Doncic was in MVP contention of the World Cup with his impressive offensive numbers. As per stats from FIBA, Doncic averaged 27 points per game in 8 games to score a tournament-high 216 points. He was the first player to have 200+ points, 50+ rebounds, and 40+ assists in the World Cup in the last 30 years.

However, as Slovenia slipped out of the top-4, Luka Doncic missed out on the opportunity to win the reputed award.

Notably, Doncic’s name has been in the NBA MVP conversation in the past few seasons as well. However, the award has eluded him in the league and on the International stage. But that doesn’t take away his exhilarating performances.

Despite only being 24 years old, Doncic has made the All-Star every year since after his rookie year in 2019. Furthermore, he also made the All-NBA First Team on all four occasions, which is no easy feat.

Notably, Luka already has the same number of All-NBA First Team selections as superstars like Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, Kevin Garnett, and so forth.

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Also, he has already passed the likes of legends like Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, Dwyane Wade, Isiah Thomas, and so forth. As this and his historic World Cup numbers were posted on Instagram, Shaquille O’Neal shared it in his story.

It is not easy to get the approval of the four-time NBA champion. However, it is not something new for Doncic.

O’Neal’s massive praise for Doncic

Shaquille O’Neal has multiple times opened up about playing through injuries.

Given this mindset to show up and perform despite injuries, O’Neal was impressed when Luka Doncic did something similar in 2021 against the Los Angeles Clippers. Shaq praised Luka for his mentality to battle through his pain.

The Hall of Famer said, ?As a fan, I know Luka, injury injuries and banged up and hurt. We appreciate you?re playing.??

Even though the Mavs lost the game, Doncic certainly won a lot of hearts with his resilience.

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