Luka Doncic fuming after a heartbreaking loss: 'FIBA must be happy' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

After 17 straight victories, starting from the 2017 EuroBasket, Luka Doncic suffered his first loss as a member of the Slovenian National Team.

Player of the Game EFF 23 Nando De Colo Points 25 Accuracy 8-17 Rebounds 7 Assists 5

He recorded the first triple-double on the Olympic stage since LeBron James' dominant performance at the 2012 Olympics. Doncic scored 16 points, dished out 18 assists, and grabbed 10 boards, but that wasn't enough to propel his team to the finals.

"FIBA must be happy," Doncic shouted after the final buzzer sounded, as reported by Marius Milasius of 15min reports. He was furious after some questionable decisions by the referees. However, after the game, Doncic was more composed and talked about the loss, as well as the upcoming bronze game against Australia.

"I can say I am really proud of this team. Everyone gave 100 percent. We worked hard for two months to be here. I think we might have surprised a lot of people, but I am proud of each of the guys, but we have one more Final to go, and we will not give up yet."

He was also asked about the reason he didn't take the last shot with the game on the line: "I think Batum was helping, so I had to pass. I think he was open, and it was a great drive, but Batum had an amazing block. Not always you can make a smart choice, but I chose them, and they chose me, and I thought it was a good choice."

Slovenian head coach Aleksander Sekulic was disappointed after the game but only had great things to say about his team: "We did some mistakes, but I can not blame anyone. They really played their hearts out, and basketball is like this. At the end, we were where we wanted to be, but unfortunately, it didn't go in. But it was great defense by France, and they go to the Final."

Slovenia will face the Australians, who are also looking for their first-ever Olympic medal on Saturday. The game tips off at 14:00 EEST.

Thank you for reading us! We have even more content for you.