Slovenia head coach Aleksander Sekulic admitted he saw frustration in Luka Doncic during the heavy loss to Serbia, stressing that the team must do more to help its star.
Thursday night in Belgrade was one to forget for Slovenian basketball. The national team was blown out by Nikola Jokic's Serbia, suffering a 34-point defeat (106–72), while captain and Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic looked unusually helpless against the Serbian defense.
Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic
Position: PG, SG
Age: 26
Height: 201 cm
Weight: 104 kg
Birth place: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Doncic wrapped up Slovenia's final FIBA EuroBasket 2025 preparation game with 17 points, but his shooting struggles told the story: 2/8 on twos, 2/10 from deep, and 7/9 at the line. He added seven rebounds, four assists, and three turnovers.
For the first time in this summer's preparations, his frustration was written on his face. At times, it almost looked as if he were questioning whether he had overestimated his supporting cast.
"I also felt frustration from him this time," Slovenia's head coach Aleksander Sekulic admitted after the heavy loss, via SportKlub. "He had a big desire, and he tried a lot in defense, too. Maybe he will have to accept a little that quality matters too here.
"The opponent was much better. But we allowed them to look even better. That's what we need to fix—and help Luka."
Credit Nik Moder / Sportida/SIPA - Scanpix
By the end of the third quarter, Serbia's lead had ballooned to 40 points.
"You can't play chess against a team like that—you have to take something away from them. They didn't give it to us," Sekulic said. "Yes, I missed the desire, the energy... We were burnt out. I often see more in training."
"It's time to look in the mirror," he continued. "If we want to be successful, we have to show more energy, fighting spirit, communication, and improve our defense. I hope this defeat provokes a reaction from the players. They've already shown they have a big ego—now they have a great opportunity. I believe we can be much better as a team."
Slovenia wrapped up its preparation phase with a 1–5 record, its only win coming against Great Britain. Their final roster for EuroBasket 2025 is also set.
Serbia vs. Slovenia highlights:
Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.