Mavs WATCH: Luka Doncic Slovenia Highlights vs. Japan

Mavs' Luka Doncic picked apart Japan's defense in an exhibition match as Slovenia prepares for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The Slovenian national team finished a seven-game exhibition schedule ahead of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup with a 103-68 victory over Japan at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. The game featured Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic putting on a show. 

Doncic took full advantage of having a major size advantage against smaller backcourt matchups, forcing Japan to frequently double team, prioritize helping in the paint with the low-man, and generally leaving shooters to help. He made light work of Japan's defense, totaling 23 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in just 28 minutes.

Given the ball pressure Doncic faced, he spent a bit more time off-ball to play off the catch as opposed to drawing two early as the initiator. He picked his spots as a scorer to find holes in the defense as well, but set the tone with his passing. 

Slovenia held a 77-50 lead over Japan entering the fourth quarter, which ultimately allowed the team to have opportunities for key players late in the game, including Doncic. 

Doncic's full highlights are included in the embedded YouTube video below. Subscribe to my channel for more content about Doncic and the Mavs throughout the FIBA World Cup and the 2023-24 NBA season. 

Slovenia will take on Group F to begin their competition at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, beginning with a match against Venezuela on Saturday, Aug. 26. Other opponents include Georgia and Cape Verde.

Stay tuned to DallasBasketball.com for in-depth coverage of each Mavs player participating in the World Cup. 

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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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