Luka Doncic reacts to his ejection, Slovenia elimination from World Cup / News - Basketnews.com

Doncic said he cannot control himself playing for the national team.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Luka Doncic was ejected in the 2023 FIBA World Cup quarterfinal game vs. Canada. Left without him, Slovenia lost the crucial game and failed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics directly.

Player of the Game EFF 40 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points 31 Accuracy 8-12 Rebounds 10 Assists 4

After the game, Doncic was asked about his reactions that led to him receiving his second technical foul in the fourth quarter and ultimately ejected from the game.

"Everybody knows what my frustration was. Playing for the national team, it's a lot of emotions. A lot of times, I don't control myself, which I've been having problems with. One of the referees told one of our guys, 'We're not going to call a foul on him because he's coming at us'," Doncic shared. "I think this is not fair. I know I complain a lot, but I don't think it's fair. They've been playing physical with me, but if you say that, it's not fair."

"On the other side, Dillon played great," he complimented his main opponent, Dillon Brooks. "He was very physical like he always is. A lot of people don't like him, but I respect him for what he does, and he does that stuff really well."

Doncic scored 26 points on just 8-for-20 shooting, grabbed 4 rebounds, made 5 assists, and recorded 2 steals, but turned the ball over 3 times and got ejected in 29 minutes of playing time.

"Congrats to Canada. They played great. Very physical game. They have one of the best players in the world," he said about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. "It was really tough to guard him. I’m proud of my team. Everybody gave 100%. We should go back to the hotel with our heads up."

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