Doncic finds heart to lead, motivate team

MANILA (Philippines) - Luka Doncic surprised even his Slovenia head coach Aleksander Sekulic with his inspirational performance as the NBA superstar found energy to lead and motivate the team.

Doncic played 37:07 minutes and collected 29 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals in a 100-84 loss to Lithuania in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Classification 5-8. That showing came less than 24 hours after Slovenia fell to Canada in the Quarter-Finals.

"Luka is very competitive. I don't know where he found the energy but he told me he is feeling great and he wants to play," said Sekulic, who was asked what the reasoning was in playing Doncic so long.

"He was also our best man regarding energy. He was trying to motivate everybody to get them to another level. We were not at the level we wanted to be and he was trying hard in the game, in the timeouts, in the locker room - all the time trying to push them to their limits. That's why he played - because he felt good. This showed his character and that he likes basketball."

Doncic seemed to be in better spirits against Lithuania than he was in the loss to Canada.

He signed autographs for fans and took selfies before the game. He demonstrated more of the flash that his fans love so much. And every time Doncic did something great, the crowd of 11,003 at the Mall of Asia Arena went crazy.

"Everybody knows that he's one of the best if not the best player in the world. For sure it's a lot of pressure on him and everything but today he showed again why he's one of the best players. He leads the team,” said 29-year-old veteran Gregor Hrovat about the Slovenian captain.

Sekulic also spoke about Doncic wanting to show his love for the Filipino fans and their passion and support for him and the Slovenian team.

"He also appreciates the fans here because he has an amazing fan base. And we had amazing support tonight. I felt like the whole arena was cheering for us. It was a great feeling and it was because of him," the coach said. "That shows a lot how serious he is when he plays for his country. And that he plays with his heart. That's the most important part."

Doncic also spent less time against Lithuania talking to the referees than in the Canada game.

"Before the game we decided we'll try not to look too much on Lithuania and to the refs. We just tried to focus on ourselves and that was the key," Hrovat added.

Doncic admitted after the Canada loss that he was talking too much to the referees, which resulted in him being ejected after a second technical foul. The 24-year-old star was self-reflective in the post-game press conference following the Canada loss.

"Everybody knows what my frustration level was. Playing for the national team there are a lot of emotions. A lot of times I don’t control myself, which I am having problems with … I know I complained a lot," he said.

Doncic also spoke after Canada about the great support he and the team got from the fans.

"I really appreciate the love. It's been amazing. So many fans support me,” he said. “It's been really, really amazing. I appreciate the love."

That love off the fans plus his desire to play for his country resulted in Doncic surprising even his coach - and giving his followers even more reason to adore him.

FIBA