Slovenia’s national basketball team has decided to remove Luka Doncic, the talented Dallas Mavericks guard, from their active roster for the exhibition game against the U.S. on Saturday. The decision has been made due to precautionary reasons following Doncic’s left knee injury during Friday’s game against Spain.
A Minor Setback
During the second quarter of the game against Spain, Doncic injured his left knee while fouling Santi Aldama during a 3-point attempt. Despite the injury, Doncic continued to play in the game and managed to score 17 points, although he also had five turnovers. The Slovenian national team described the injury as an “unfavorable blow” for Doncic and emphasized their cautious approach in the lead-up to the World Cup.
Doncic’s strong performance with the national team this summer, including two triple-doubles in his first three appearances, is indicative of his commitment to preparing for the upcoming World Cup. Slovenia, currently ranked 7th in the world by FIBA, is determined to secure their first World Cup medal after finishing fourth in the Tokyo Olympics two years ago.
Slovenia’s final tuneup game will be against Japan on August 19, serving as their last opportunity to fine-tune their strategies before the World Cup begins. Their World Cup journey commences on August 26 in Okinawa, Japan, when they face Venezuela. Subsequent games are scheduled against Georgia on August 28 and Cape Verde on August 30. The World Cup, held across the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, will span from August 25 to September 10.
Doncic’s impressive statistics from last season’s NBA performance, which included averaging 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8 assists per game, have undoubtedly contributed to his reputation as a top-tier player. He is one of the two All-NBA players from last season who is committed to participating in the World Cup, with the other being Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who will represent Canada.
While it is disappointing for fans to see Doncic withdraw from Slovenia’s active roster for the exhibition game against the U.S., it is important to prioritize his health and prevent any further complications from his knee injury. Slovenia’s national team’s decision to exercise caution is understandable as they strive to achieve success in the upcoming World Cup. Doncic’s stellar performance and commitment prior to the injury indicate his determination to contribute to the team’s success on the international stage. Fans eagerly anticipate his return and hope for a fruitful World Cup campaign for Slovenia.
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