Luka Doncic, Slovenia Lose to Poland at EuroBasket Despite Lakers Star's Big Game

Star guard Luka Doncic did everything he could to try to will Slovenia to victory against Poland in the 2025 EuroBasket group play opener, but it wasn't meant to be.

Doncic dropped 34 points and added four rebounds, nine assists, five steals and two blocks, but the Los Angeles Lakers star and his home country lost 105-95 in Group D.

Poland led by as many as 15 in Thursday's game, but Doncic and Slovenia cut the deficit to seven in the fourth quarter. However, Poland pulled away with some timely baskets down the stretch and never surrendered the lead.

Edo Muric added 17 points for Slovenia and Gregor Hrovat had 15, but they were the only other players to score more than eight points.

Poland had a much more balanced attack with four out of five starters scoring in double figures, led by Jordan Loyd's 32 points and Mateusz Ponitka's 23 points.

Despite the loss, Doncic's new physique drew rave reviews. He was more active on defense, and he moved faster on offense.

Doncic and Slovenia will be back in action on Saturday in another Group D matchup against France, which defeated Belgium 92-64 on Thursday.