SUMMARY
- Despite a 26-point triple-double, Luka Doncic couldn't help Slovenia win against Croatia.
- Doncic's health has been a major concern while fans have also come up with a new nickname for the star.
Luka Doncic is coming off one of his most challenging seasons in the NBA. The Dallas Mavericks star certainly had an exceptional time playing alongside Kyrie Irving and a set of new teammates as well. But besides Irving, the rest of the team wasn’t used to playing 90 to 100 games a season, especially Doncic.
Either way, the 5x NBA All-Star fought through an apparent knee injury and led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, the Boston Celtics were simply much stronger and the Mavericks didn’t have much fuel left to carry on. Doncic has since started his journey with the Slovenian national team at the 2024 Olympic Qualifiers.
Fans can’t understand why Luka Doncic is playing in Olympic qualifiers
While Slovenia took on Croatia during the Olympic qualifiers, Luka Doncic took it upon himself to lead the team. However, the 25-year-old is still shaking off the dust from the 2023-24 NBA season. Doncic racked up a triple-double of 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists while shooting a shocking 35% from the field and missing all nine three-point attempts.
1-5 in his last 6 🔥
That knee injury must be legit..
— Rainproof Rainmaker (@SeanRawlings10) July 3, 2024
I thought he was injured in the finals… 😭😭😭
— Blues Forever ⭐️⭐️ (@CFC_Mitty) July 3, 2024
Luka despite the loss Doncic💯💯
— AaronWigginsEnthusiast (@MillfEnthusiast) July 2, 2024
Despite the loss man strikes again 🔥
— spamz (@minnyspamz) July 2, 2024
Fans are still concerned about his health as one said, “1-5 in his last 6. That knee injury must be legit.” Another fan added, “I thought he was injured in the finals…” Doncic also earned himself a brand new nickname, Luka “Despite the Loss” Doncic. Several fans pointed out that Doncic often experiences great games or various achievements during losses.
The Mavericks guard will never top playing for Slovenian
Luka Doncic has become a household name in the world of basketball and he’s best known for his outstanding work in the NBA. However, the Mavericks star is committed to representing his national team regardless of his situation away from it. He said, “We are two million. Representing this country means everything to me.”
Luka Doncic explained why he will always play for Slovenia 🇸🇮✊ #FIBAOQT pic.twitter.com/3UdJjylI6C
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) July 3, 2024
He added, “I want to say thank you to Dallas. They let me play, and they never have problems with this. They always know I’m going to play.” Slovenia is scheduled to play against New Zealand on July 3. They are certainly a team to look out for but Doncic’s health is a growing concern.