(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Germany Survive Luka Dončić’s 39-Point Masterclass to Reach EuroBasket 2025 Semi-Finals
RIGA, Latvia – Defending world champions Germany fought through a tough challenge to defeat Slovenia 99-91 in the EuroBasket 2025 Quarter-Finals, securing their place in the Semi-Finals. Despite a sensational 39-point performance from Luka Dončić, Slovenia fell short and exited at the same stage as they did in 2022.
A Hard-Fought Battle
Slovenia came out strong in front of more than 9,000 fans at Arena Riga, racing to a 32-21 lead at the end of the first quarter. Luka Dončić’s brilliance kept them ahead 51-45 at halftime, but Germany slowly clawed back with improved defense and transition play.
A buzzer-beating half-court shot from Tristan Da Silva cut Slovenia’s lead to 74-70 heading into the final quarter. Germany then turned up the pressure, holding Slovenia to just two points over a critical three-minute stretch and sealing the win in the closing moments.
Key Performers
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Daniel Theis – 15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists (Player of the Game)
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Franz Wagner – 23 points
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Dennis Schröder – 20 points, 7 assists
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Luka Dončić (Slovenia) – 39 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists
While Dončić delivered another all-around masterclass, Slovenia lacked enough support from the rest of the roster to overcome Germany’s depth and execution.
By the Numbers
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Turnovers: Germany only committed 6
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Fast Break Points: Germany led 16-6
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Free Throws: 30 of 37 made (81%)
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Three-Point Shooting: Just 30%, but made up for with efficiency elsewhere
What’s Next
The victory means Germany have now reached back-to-back EuroBasket Semi-Finals for the first time in history. After taking bronze in 2022, they will now face Finland for a spot in Sunday’s Final.
Reactions
Andreas Obst (Germany):
“We are happy and I think we deserve it after this game. Luka hit some tough shots, but we kept our focus and stayed confident.”
Isaac Bonga (Germany):
“Our main goal is simple – win the next game, recover, and keep this mission going.”
Aleksander Sekulić (Slovenia Head Coach):
“I’m proud of these guys. They gave everything against one of the best teams in the competition. We leave with our heads held high.”
Bottom Line
Germany proved their resilience once again, finding a way to overcome Dončić’s brilliance and move one step closer to another EuroBasket medal. With momentum on their side, the reigning world champions will look to continue their run when they face Finland in the Semi-Finals.
