Chasing Oscar Schmidt: 'We told our coach to put Doncic back in the game' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Slovenia had no problem in their Olympic Games opener against Argentina. And afterward, everyone was in awe of Luka Doncic's monster performance that included 48 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Player of the Game EFF 46 Luka Doncic Points 48 Accuracy 18-29 Rebounds 11 Assists 5

Luka's teammate Jaka Blazic explained that Slovenia was trying to keep the same groove as they had during the Qualifying Tournament earlier this month.

"We started the match with an approach that distinguished us in Kaunas. It worked there. Now it worked here as well. The start was great. We neutralized their defensive line. On offense, Luka Doncic had one of the best performances in the history of the Olympic Games," Blazic told the media after the game and explained that he and his teammates suggested Aleksander Sekulic to put Doncic back in the game. "In the end, he didn't want to play Luka. He's here not just to score points, he wants to win. He's doing well now, as he's still undefeated with the national team."

Aleksander Sekulic, Slovenia head coach pointed out: "This was our first game at the Olympics, so there was a lot of emotion. We played our game, especially on offense we were very effective, as we scored 118 points and we had an extraordinary Luka Doncic. Towards the end, we lost our focus, but overall it was a very good match and we can be very happy."

Mike Tobey explained the "recipe" behind his excellent on-court collaboration with Doncic. "When Luka plays like that, I know what I have to do. I jumped and helped on defense and looked for second-chance baskets," the American center remarked. Tobey didn't seem too worried about the possible match-up against the USA. "One game at a time. We started well. The US have been dominant for many years. Now the world has progressed. We will see what happens. But, I repeat, let's go step by step," he concluded.

"Argentina is a great team. It has exceptional individuals. We knew that. But we also prepared well," said Luka Doncic after the game, in his style, less eloquent in front of the microphones than on the floor.

"I'm not interested in records, I'm not interested in points. I'm here to help the team. I'm here to win. Better and worse matches come. But we know what we came for. I feel like everything that's happening is something special. This is our first time at the Olympics. This is something big for our country," Doncic explained.

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