Luka Doncic has been cleared to proceed Slovenia’s EuroBasket preparations after struggling a knee contusion in Saturday’s loss to Latvia, easing issues forward of the staff’s remaining stretch of tune-up video games.
The Los Angeles Lakers celebrity and Slovenian nationwide staff captain went down within the third quarter when a teammate crashed into his leg. He limped off and didn’t return, however the postgame analysis revealed solely a bruise to his proper knee. Doncic was again with the total squad at follow on Monday, with no lingering results from the sequence.
Slovenia Nonetheless Searching for First Win
Slovenia enters Tuesday’s matchup towards Nice Britain nonetheless searching for its first exhibition win. The staff is 0-4 within the warm-up section, with losses to Lithuania, Italy, Germany and Latvia. Doncic has been the brilliant spot, scoring 26 factors in simply 20 minutes earlier than his early exit in Riga.
Head coach Aleksander Sekulic acknowledged the outcomes haven’t gone Slovenia’s means, however emphasised that the staff’s focus stays on regular progress as EuroBasket approaches.
“It’s true that now we have not but recorded a victory within the matches, however there isn’t any nervousness within the staff,” Sekulic stated. “We all know what issues we have to enhance, we all know what we would like, and progress is seen day-to-day. The need to win will definitely be even better, however we should not deviate from the trail now we have set.”
Slovenia began sturdy in Riga, constructing a 31-21 lead behind Doncic’s 15 first-quarter factors, however a poor third quarter proved expensive. Latvia used an 18-0 run to grab management, and Slovenia couldn’t get well regardless of rallying late.
Gregor Hrovat, who added 15 factors within the recreation, stated the staff drew confidence from the way it responded when its chief left the ground.
“We competed effectively with them for 36 minutes, however these 4 firstly of the second half value us a greater consequence,” Hrovat stated. “I’m pleased with how we got here collectively when Luka Doncic left the courtroom and proved that we will compete with the very best. I’ve a constructive feeling earlier than the following matches.”
Luka Doncic, Slovenia Face Ultimate Exams Earlier than EuroBasket
Tuesday’s assembly with Nice Britain in Stozice Area represents Slovenia’s final house recreation earlier than EuroBasket. Nice Britain enters the competition with an 0-3 report in its friendlies after losses to France, Belgium and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Slovenians will then journey to Belgrade for a marquee check towards Serbia on Thursday. That recreation marks their remaining preparation earlier than the EuroBasket group stage begins in Katowice, Poland, one week later.
Doncic, desirous to reconnect with Slovenian followers after the scare in Riga, made a direct attraction for assist.
“Tomorrow we play a match towards Nice Britain,” Doncic stated. “I hope to see as a lot of you as potential.”
