“With heads held high, everyone gave it their all.”
Luka Doncic’s return to the court put an end to Slovenia’s winning streak.
In a pivotal moment, with just 7 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Canada’s Dillon Brooks calmly sunk a 3-pointer, while simultaneously hurling insults at his opponents. His outburst resulted in a second technical foul, leading to his ejection from the game. Known as the NBA’s notorious “villain,” Brooks had staunchly defended Doncic throughout the match, frustrating the Slovenian star.
Though Slovenia was leading 92-76 at the time, the absence of Brooks proved to be a game-changer. Shortly after, his replacement, Luguentz Dort, employed a physical defensive strategy that went uncalled by the referees. As a result, Doncic found himself crashing to the ground, seething with anger. Instantly, a technical foul was called against Doncic, resulting in his removal from the game as well.
While Brooks displayed his flexibility, it seemed Doncic struggled to keep his composure. Nevertheless, Slovenia’s remaining players valiantly fought back, narrowing the gap to single digits. However, the onslaught from Canada was unrelenting. Spearheaded by Shay Gilgeous-Alexander’s 36 points and RJ Barrett’s 24, Canada emerged victorious with a score of 100-89.
For Canada, this victory secured their spot in the World Cup final four, marking a significant achievement. On the other hand, Slovenia must now face the final qualifying rounds of the world in their bid to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
Doncic managed to score 26 points, but his shooting performance suffered with only 4 successful shots out of 14 attempts. The physical and unyielding defense executed by Brooks had clearly impacted Doncic’s odds of success. Reflecting on the game in his post-match press conference, Doncic expressed his frustration, saying, “Playing for the national team evokes intense emotions, and oftentimes, it becomes difficult to maintain control. Nevertheless, I believe Dillon played exceptionally well. While many may not like him, I respect his style of play.”
Manager Alexander Seclic defended Doncic’s emotional outburst, acknowledging the challenges of enduring consistent hits throughout a game. He stated, “It’s disheartening and draining to endure such treatment throughout the game. It’s a testament to Luka’s greatness that only dirt can slow him down.”
Despite his momentary loss of composure, Doncic exhibited grace in defeat, offering his congratulations to Canada. Acknowledging their physical prowess and the caliber of their players, he stated, “I’m proud of our team.”
“Everyone showed 100% power, so I’m going to leave with my head up.”
Luka Doncic’s layoff ended Slovenia’s winning streak.
With 7 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Canada’s Dillon Brooks scored a 3-pointer with a light touch, spitting out words that insulted the opponent in front of him, and was sent off for the second technical foul. Known as the “villain” of the NBA, Brooks was a tough defender who marked Doncic thoroughly and frustrated him.
At this point, Slovenia was up, 76-92, but without a key man to keep Doncic in check, the flow of the game would have changed completely. However, shortly after that, the physical defense of Luguenz Dort, who replaced Brooks, did not call foul, and Doncic fell to the ground and yelled at the referee in a fit of anger. A technical foul was immediately called and Doncic was sent off as well.
Brooks is flexible, Doncic is not. The rest of Slovenia’s players rallied to reduce the gap to single digits, but the counterattack didn’t stop there. Led by Shay Gilgeous-Alexander with 36 points and RJ Barrett with 24, Canada did not stop and won 100-89.
This is Canada’s first step into the final four at the World Cup. Slovenia, on the other hand, will be in the finals, and at the same time have to win the final qualifying rounds of the world to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
Doncic scored 26 points. 4 goals out of 14 fields were successful and the odds were bad because the physical and relentless defense planted by Brooks was working. “You know what I was frustrated about?” Doncic said in his post-game press conference.
“Playing for the national team involves a lot of emotions and many times you can’t control yourself. , I also think Dillon played great, a lot of people don’t like him, but I respect the way he plays.”
Slovenia manager Alexander Seclic defended Doncic by saying: “It’s hard to keep your emotions in check when you’re getting hit all the way through a game. It’s frustrating, it’s tiring. Want”
“It shows how great Luka is, because it means that only dirt can stop him.”
Doncic couldn’t contain his emotions and was sent off, but like a good loser after the game, he calmly said, “I want to say congratulations to Canada. They play great physically and they have players of first class,” he said and continued: “I’m proud of the team.
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