Luka Dončić put on a masterful all-around display as Slovenia rolled past Belgium 86-69 in Katowice, powered by a triple-double from the Lakers star. Dončić finished with 26 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, earning the fourth EuroBasket triple-double since 1995. He also became the youngest player to reach 400 EuroBasket points since Tony Parker in 2007, at 26 years and 184 days.
The performance comes after Slovenia’s earlier defeats to Poland and France, where Dončić still poured in 34 and 39 points in those games. As the group phase continues, the 24-team tournament is spread across four countries, with the top four teams from each group advancing to the knockout rounds beginning on September 6. Slovenia sits third in their group and will clinch progression if they win their remaining two games, against Iceland and Israel.
In another part of the tournament, Giannis Antetokounmpo returned for Greece with 27 points to help them stay perfect with a 94-53 victory over Georgia. Greece had rested Antetokounmpo in their previous 96-69 win against Cyprus, two days after he scored 31 in a win over Italy. Against Georgia, Antetokounmpo also contributed eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Greece leads Group C with six points, and the win secured their place in the next round.
What to watch next
– Slovenia’s path to the knockout stage now rests on wins against Iceland and Israel, with a potential to finish in a favorable position in the group.
– Greece’s confirmed progression adds to the early narrative that Group C will be a race for seeding and momentum heading into the knockout rounds.
Additional context
– Dončić’s milestone and triple-double highlight his continued impact at EuroBasket, underscoring Slovenia’s expectation to contend deeper into the tournament.
– Greece’s early qualification strengthens their position in Group C as they pursue another long run in the event.
Summary: Dončić’s standout triple-double fuels Slovenia’s win as they chase a knockout-stage spot, while Greece clinches progression with a strong win that keeps them atop Group C.