Anything Giannis Antetokounmpo can do, Luka Doncic proved he can do better.
After Antetokounmpo’s 41-point outburst on Tuesday against Ukraine, Doncic – who admitted that Giannis would score the most points in a EuroBasket 2022 game – went ahead and exploded for 47 points against France on Wednesday.
Mind games, perhaps by Luka?
Either way, Doncic went ahead and scored the most points in a EuroBasket game in 65 years and the second most ever to dismantle the Olympic silver-medallists 88-82 to confirm top spot in Group B.
“He’s a winner. He has great mentality,” Slovenia guard Jaka Blazic commented as he witnessed Doncic going 15/23 from the field.
“He goes to every game with all his energy and with 100 percent motivation no matter who the opponent is. When he’s scoring like this it’s unbelievable. Even we, that we are his teammates, we are surprised with some moves he does. It’s a privilege to play with him.”
Doncic racked up 27 points by half-time and continued to climb up the all-time scoring list; eventually passing 1987 tournament MVP Nikos Galis – who features multiple times in the top 10 – his final points coming late in the fourth quarter.
“Luka had a great night,” said Slovenia coach Aleksander Sekulic.
“He’s spoiled us so much we think this is normal. That’s not normal. That’s high level. That’s really amazing what he’s doing on the court.”
The EuroBasket holders will play Belgium in Berlin in the Round of 16.
