Mavericks: Luka Doncic unstoppable in Olympic opener win over Argentina

The Dallas Mavericks stayed up late on July 25 to watch their superstar Luka Doncic make his Olympic debut. The time difference between Texas and Tokyo had the game tipping off just before midnight, but nobody wanted to miss Doncic.

The 22-year-old superstar lifted Slovenia into the Olympics. They were undefeated in four contests at the Lithuanian qualifier. Luka capped it off with a 31-point triple-double to knock out the hosts and secure Slovenia’s place in Tokyo. It is the first time the country has qualified for the Olympics in basketball.

Doncic made his debut against Argentina in an important Group C game. The winner vaulted into the driver’s seat in qualifying for the knockout stage. Luka did not disappoint on Sunday night into early Monday morning as Slovenia picked up the dominating 118-100 victory.

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic unstoppable in Slovenia’s win over Argentina

FIBA’s tweet says it all about Doncic’s start in his first Olympic contest.

Luka was white-hot to start the contest. He had 17 first-quarter points, including going three of three from 3-point range. Doncic chipped in three rebounds as he had Slovenia out to an eight-point advantage at the end of the opening quarter.

Argentina cut the led to six with Luka on the bench, but he returned with more than seven minutes remaining in the second period and went right back to work. Luka had 14 more to give him a 31-point first half. He also chipped in eight rebounds, two assists, and one block as Slovenia raced out to a 20-point halftime advantage. It was an incredible first 20 minutes of Olympic basketball for the Dallas Mavericks superstar.

Doncic had more points in the first half than any other player had through the first four games of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Evan Fournier was the previous leader with 28 in France’s upset of Team USA. Argentina legend Manu Ginobili had effusive praise for Luka at halftime of the opener.

Doncic reached into his bag of tricks in the third quarter. He had a beautiful behind-the-back assist to Mike Tobey, showcased his step-back three, and kept dominating the game as Slovenia pushed their lead to 22 at the end of the three. Doncic had 35 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three blocks as his unbelievable performance continued.

The 22-year-old superstar put an exclamation point on the performance in the fourth quarter. He had 13 points to give him 48 for the night. Doncic finished 18 of 29 from the field, including hitting six 3-pointers. He also produced 11 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks in his unbelievable Olympic debut. His 48 points were tied for the second-most all-time in an Olympic game.

Luka Doncic is going to be impossible to stop in the tournament. He is locked in and determined to lead Slovenia to an Olympic medal. The country has a population of just over 2 million people, but they are quickly becoming one of the favorites of the tournament. Doncic is must watch and remains undefeated in 14 tries when playing for his country. Do not expect him to slow down any time soon.

Luka Doncic and Slovenia are back in action on Wednesday night as they face Japan in their second of three Group C games. They will be favored against the hosts. Expect another monster performance from the Dallas Mavericks superstar as he looks to secure Slovenia a place in the knockout stage. It will be a cannot miss contest, so please tune in and enjoy.