All three superstars debuted in this year’s EuroBasket.
Serbia beat Estonia 98-64.
In this game, Jokic played three quarters, breaking a sweat, shooting 4 of 3 in about 23 minutes, tallying 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, with a +39 plus-minus, the highest on the court.
During the match, he executed an incredible no-look behind-the-back pass, but sadly, his teammate couldn’t finish the play.
Last NBA regular season, Jokic averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, and 1.8 steals, with shooting percentages of 57.6%, 41.7%, and 80%; in the playoffs, he averaged 26.2 points, 12.7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals, shooting 48.9%, 38%, and 77.2%.
Greece won 75-66 against Italy.
In this game, Giannis played about 29 minutes, shooting 14 of 20, scoring an explosive 31 points along with 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal, but had the lowest team plus-minus at -3...
During the game, the Greek Freak dominated the opponent’s inside, and multiple double teams proved ineffective.
Last NBA regular season, Giannis averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks, shooting 60.1%, 22.2%, and 61.7%; in the playoffs, he averaged 33 points, 15.4 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block, with shooting splits of 60.6%, 20%, and 69.8%.
Slovenia lost to Poland 95-105.
In this match, Doncic played about 36 minutes, shooting 7 of 14, making 17 of 18 free throws, scoring 34 points with 4 rebounds, 9 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks, giving his all but unable to save the team.
Basketball is ultimately a team sport; no matter how outstanding one player is, victory cannot be achieved alone.
Last NBA regular season, while playing for the Lakers, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals, with shooting percentages of 43.8%, 37.9%, and 79.1%; in the playoffs, he averaged 30.2 points, 7 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1 steal, shooting 45.2%, 34.8%, and 89.1%.
It proves that NBA superstars remain unstoppable forces even on the more intense FIBA stage.
This year’s EuroBasket power rankings show Serbia at the top, Greece in fourth place, while Slovenia fails to make the top ten.