Luka Doncic, Slovenia Brace for 'Really Tough' World Cup Match vs. Georgia
OKINAWA, Japan — In Slovenia's first match of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic was instrumental in the 100-85 victory over Venezuela despite an early onslaught from 3-point range. Doncic contributed 37 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, earning the TCL Player of the Game.
"We knew it was gonna be a very difficult game," Doncic said of facing Venezuela. "We played against Venezuela two years ago, and they were a very physical team. They can shoot the ball very well. It wasn't an easy game. We had to fight until the end, and in the end, we got a win."
Venezuela played with a lot of physicality and was aggressive using a variety of different defensive approaches, between full-court pressure and stretches of deploying zone. However, they were quite reluctant to double-team Doncic early in possessions to get the ball out of his hands despite him frequently having a size advantage against base matchups and being too quick for switch defenders, favoring the use of single coverage to stay home on shooters.
The main method that Venezuela's defense used was to rely on the low-man to help near the charge circle, with the exception of occasionally helping off of Mike Tobey until he converted from deep. Whatever the opposition attempted, there was no containing Doncic.
"We followed a great deal our game plan. Still, Luka Doncic scored. He basically scores against the whole world," Venezuela coach Fernando Duro said. "Mike Tobey was one hundred percent from the field, scoring 3-3 from behind the arc. We chose our options and we followed the game plan.
Duro continued: "We executed well, but in order to win these kinds of ball games, you need to execute in an excellent way, and we couldn't."
The next matchup for Doncic and Slovenia is against the nation of Georgia on Monday, Aug. 28 at 6:30 a.m. CT. Georgia is coming off an 85-60 win over Cape Verde. The opposition is well aware of how potent of a threat any team is that has a talent of Doncic's caliber, but especially with the shooting capabilities around him to space the floor.
"They definitely know how to move the ball,' Georgia's Alexander Mamukelaskhvili said of Slovenia. "They definitely know how to play together. Luka, you know, he's Luka, so I feel like when you have that guy on the floor, he just changes the game. You have to lock in on him so much. There are other great shooters, and they play physically."
Mamukelaskhvili continued: "We just have to go back, scout their plays, watch their film, and make sure we come ready. Everything's possible in this type of tournament. So, as I said, staying in the present, and I think we're going to come out there and, and be definitely going to give 110 percent."
Doncic shares plenty of mutual respect with Georgia as an opponent, highlighting they size the team boasts in the frontcourt, along with the physicality of its personnel. Both sides have been eager to prepare for the challenge that lies ahead.
"Very tall team, very talented," Doncic said of Georgia. "They have so many weapons, and we'll watch the video, but it's going to be really tough. Tough game. We're looking forward to the game."
Without wanting to reveal tactical elements of the team's approach, Georgia coach Ilias Zouros acknowledged the great challenge posed by a matchup that involves Doncic. However, the continuity of the Slovenia was mentioned as another important element to take into account.
"Of course, I cannot answer tactically," Zouros The question for us is a big challenge and how we play against one top team in the world. They have played a long time together. Luka Doncic is the star of the NBA — a great player. He can score, pass, and rebound. He can do everything on the court. It's a big challenge."
"We're going to try to do our best," Zouros continued. "We're going to be prepared, and we're going to see what is going to happen."
The stakes are significant for Slovenia and Georgia, given they are the only teams in Group F to have won its respective opening match. By achieving a victory, it would go a long way in contributing toward advancement in the World Cup bracket.
Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).
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