Los Angeles Lakers superstar guard Luka Dončić continues to dazzle for Slovenia at EuroBasket 2025, building anticipation for his eighth NBA season. Following his dominant Round of 16 performance against Italy, a statistic went viral, putting the 26-year-old’s prolific output into perspective.
Dončić delivered his highest-scoring mark of the tournament against Italy, posting a game-best 42 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, three steals, and five 3-pointers. The five-time NBA All-Star shot an efficient 11-for-19 from the field (57.9%) while knocking down 15 of his 16 free-throw attempts (93.8%).
The powerhouse display helped Slovenia hold on for a hard-fought 84-77 victory after nearly relinquishing a 19-point lead. It also boosted Dončić’s head-turning averages through six appearances.
How Is Luka Dončić Carrying Slovenia With His Monumental EuroBasket 2025 Run?
After Dončić willed Slovenia past Italy and into the quarterfinals, HoopsHype outlined on X just how impressive his EuroBasket 2025 run has been.
According to the outlet, the 2024 NBA scoring champion is “scoring 36.89% of his team’s points,” outperforming Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan’s top NBA seasons. Dončić reportedly trails only NBA icon Wilt Chamberlain, who exceeded that percentage in two NBA campaigns.
Luka Doncic is scoring 36.89 percent of his team’s points at the Eurobasket.
For context: That’s more than MJ in any of his NBA years. (Only Wilt beats that percentage in two seasons).
Also: Doncic leads Slovenia in rebounds, assists, blocks and steals.
Historical carry job. pic.twitter.com/iVx91rP8Q2
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) September 7, 2025
The now-viral stat was propelled by Dončić contributing exactly half (42 points) of Slovenia’s 84 points against Italy. Only one of his teammates, guard Klemen Prepelič, scored in double figures (11 points), underscoring Dončić’s monstrous workload.
Honestly, how do you defend this? You just pray it doesn’t go in.#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/KiwEofUeWN
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 7, 2025
Across six outings, Dončić is averaging a tournament-high 34.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 3.2 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game, leading his squad in each category.
How Did Dončić React to His 42-Point Masterclass Against Italy?
While Dončić’s contributions for Slovenia have been dubbed a “historic carry job,” he has kept the focus on his team’s success. After dispatching Italy, the five-time All-NBA First Team selectee credited his teammates’ selflessness.
“Why are we special? Because everyone plays for each other. We get along great, the chemistry is at its peak,” Dončić said, per Siol.net. “Sometimes we argue, but that’s part of sports. On the court, we just want to help each other. As I said before, all credit to the guys.”
With Sunday’s thrilling win, Slovenia improved to 4-2 overall at EuroBasket 2025 after finishing 3-2 in group play in Group D. It will take on Germany in Wednesday’s quarterfinal clash, with Dončić anticipating another tough challenge.
“Before the tournament, I already said that we believe and we move forward,” Dončić remarked. “Now we face a very tough game against Germany, but we keep going.”
The Franz Wagner-led Germans are 6-0 in the tournament, potentially necessitating another heroic showing from Dončić to keep Slovenia’s championship hopes alive.