Luka Doncic slams ‘unfair’ officiating

THERE is no doubt that billions of basketball fans worldwide are mesmerized by the “magic” of Slovenia's Luka Doncic. His wizardry-like moves with the basketball, either by scoring “hard-to-knock-down-shots” or executing a “no-look-pass” to a teammate, is enthralling to watch.

Not to mention his good looks and “killer” smile.

But when engaged, “Luka Magic” is among the most passionate whenever he plays basketball. That emotion levels up when he dons the colors of his national team Slovenia.

NOT GUILTY Slovenia’s Luka Doncic reacts to the referee’s call in the FIBA World Cup quarterfinals against Germany at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO

And most of the time, this high emotion gets the best of Doncic, which is exactly what happened as Slovenia fell to Germany 100-89 in their quarterfinal match in the FIBA World Cup on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

With 6:37 left in the fourth quarter and Slovenia down 77-92, the 24-year-old Doncic reacted to a no-call following a floating jump shot. He was whistled for a technical foul, his second in the game that resulted in automatic disqualification from the match.

“I think everybody knows what my frustration was,” said Doncic, who played for nearly 30 minutes and finished with 26 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals.

“Playing for the national team, it's a lot of emotions. A lot of times I don't control myself which I'm having problems with but you know, the referees told one of the guys 'we're not gonna call a foul on him because he's coming at us'. I think this is not fair.”

Slovenia dropped out of medal contention and Germany advanced to the semifinal round.

“I know I complained a lot but I don't think it's fair. They've been playing very physical (Canada) with me, but if you say that, it's not fair,” added the 6-foot-7 combo guard of the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA.

Despite the game's result, Doncic gave recognition to Canada, even calling one of its players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander “best in the world.”

“They played great, a very physical game, and they have one of the best players in the world so it was really tough to guard him,” said Doncic as Gilgeous-Alexander trounced Slovenia with a double-double of 31 points and 10 rebounds.

“But you know, I'm proud of my team, everybody gave a hundred percent when they went out there. We should go back to the hotel with our heads up and you know, I'm just proud of this team.”

Aside from Gilgeous-Alexander, Canada, which will be playing in the semifinals for the first time in the World Cup, also got contributions from RJ Barrett who collected 24 points and nine boards and Dillon Brooks who added 14 points. Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 14 points off the bench.

Brooks, known for his pesky and sometimes “annoying” defense, shadowed Doncic throughout the game.

“I think Dillon played great. He was very physical like he always does,” said Doncic with a smile. “A lot of people don't like him, but I respect him for what he does and he does that stuff really good.”