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28.08.2023, FIBA Basketball Worldcup, Okinawa Japan, Georgien – Slowenien, Spieltag 2, Gruppe F. Goga Bitadze GEO, No35, Luka Doncic SLO, No77 Okinawa Okinawa Arena Okinawa Japan *** 28 08 2023, FIBA Basketball World Cup, Okinawa Japan , Georgia Slovenia, Matchday 2, Group F Goga Bitadze GEO, No35 , Luka Doncic SLO, No77 Okinawa Okinawa Arena Okinawa Japan
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1033852267h.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
28.08.2023, FIBA Basketball Worldcup, Okinawa Japan, Georgien – Slowenien, Spieltag 2, Gruppe F. Goga Bitadze GEO, No35, Luka Doncic SLO, No77 Okinawa Okinawa Arena Okinawa Japan *** 28 08 2023, FIBA Basketball World Cup, Okinawa Japan , Georgia Slovenia, Matchday 2, Group F Goga Bitadze GEO, No35 , Luka Doncic SLO, No77 Okinawa Okinawa Arena Okinawa Japan
NBA superstar Luka Doncic has been on a dominant run in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and has helped his country reach the Quarter-Finals. With his impressive displays, the forward is currently leading the points table. Furthermore, he is also in contention for the tournament’s MVP award as well. However, an injury scare has come as a major worry for the fans of Slovenia as they prepare to take on a strong Canadian national team next. Also, given his importance in the team, the Dallas Mavericks fans are also worried as the new NBA season inches closer.
Doncic is the driving force for the Slovenian national team in the World Cup. After leading the team to four straight wins, Luka could not manage to do the same against Germany.
Head coach gives an update about Luka Doncic
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Luka Doncic and Slovenia suffered a 100-71 loss against Germany on Sunday. As per stats from FIBA, Luka Doncic scored 23 points in 30 minutes. However, he was forced to take contested 3-point attempts as he was constantly double-teamed throughout the game. Doncic struggled from the field and made just 2 of 11 beyond the arc.
Furthermore, the 4x NBA All-Star was worn down with the physicality of the opponents. Also, ahead of the tournament, Doncic talked about an old injury that he endured during last season. So, after the game, there were concerns about his health as he had played five high-octane games in the last ten days. As Slovenia is suiting to face Canada in the Quarter-Finals and with the NBA season on the horizon, both sets of fans are anxious about his well-being.
Amidst this, the head coach of the Slovenian national team, Aleksander Sekulic, gave an update. “Like I always say, he takes a lot of hits during a game,” Sekulic said of Doncic as per Sports Illustrated. “Teams try to play physical with him and there’s a lot of contact and he needs to deal with a lot of contact and it’s not easy and it hurt him a little bit. Hopefully, we are going to find a way to protect him.”
Read More: Who Is Zoran Dragic? Can Luka Doncic and Suns Debutant Push Slovenia to Glory?
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This could come as a huge sigh of relief for the Slovenia fandom. However, they would be hopeful he finishes the tournament strong. On the other hand, Mavs fans would be praying that he comes back unscathed.
Slovenia vs. Canada
Similar to Slovenia, Canada had a flying start to the World Cup behind the impressive performances of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But they went down shockingly against Brazil. However, Canada came back strong in the next game against Spain and booked a post in the Quarter-Finals.
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Now, Canada and Slovenia are all set to face on September 6 in Manila. It will be interesting contest between Luka Doncic and Gilgeous-Alexander and other NBA stars. The winner of the game will face the winner of the game between Lithuania and Serbia in the Semi-Finals.