The anticipation surrounding FIBA EuroBasket 2025 has been building, and Thursday night’s showdown in Belgrade provided fans with a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come. In a clash between two of Europe’s brightest NBA stars, Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić, it was the Serbian giant who dominated proceedings, leading his national team to a commanding 106–72 victory over Slovenia. For Serbia, it was yet another reminder of their championship credentials, while for Slovenia, the game highlighted growing concerns ahead of the tournament.

Jokić Efficient in Limited Minutes

The reigning NBA Finals MVP and Denver Nuggets superstar, Nikola Jokić, showcased once again why he is regarded as one of the most complete players in the game. Playing just 19 minutes, Jokić put up 10 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. His efficiency was remarkable—he went a perfect 4-of-4 from two-point range and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line, controlling the pace of the game without breaking a sweat.

What stood out most was not just his scoring, but his ability to orchestrate Serbia’s offense. Jokić’s trademark passing and floor vision allowed teammates like Bogdan Bogdanović (14 points) and Tristan Vukčević (10 points) to thrive. His dominance, even in short bursts, set the tone for Serbia from the opening tip.

Dončić Struggles in the Spotlight

On the other side, Luka Dončić, the Dallas Mavericks superstar and face of Slovenian basketball, endured a rough outing. Despite finishing with 17 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, Dončić struggled badly with efficiency. He shot just 2-of-8 on two-pointers and 2-of-10 from three-point range, often forced into difficult attempts by Serbia’s swarming defense.

Adding to his frustration, Dončić committed three turnovers as he tried to force the issue. While his free-throw shooting (7-of-9) kept Slovenia’s scoreline respectable, his inability to find rhythm underscored Slovenia’s offensive struggles. Against a powerhouse like Serbia, Dončić’s supporting cast looked overmatched, raising questions about how far Slovenia can realistically go at EuroBasket.

Nikola Jović Steps Up

While Jokić was the star, another Nikola stole part of the spotlight. Miami Heat forward Nikola Jović delivered an impressive performance in front of his NBA coach Erik Spoelstra, who was in attendance. Jović led all scorers with 18 points, showing off his versatility as a scorer and defender. His performance was especially encouraging for Serbian fans, as it suggests the team has depth beyond its established stars.

The combination of Jokić’s dominance, Jović’s breakout scoring, and Bogdanović’s consistency makes Serbia a nightmare matchup for any team in Europe.

Serbia Dominates from the Start

From the opening whistle, Serbia stamped their authority on the game. They began with a 10–0 run, immediately putting Slovenia on the back foot. The first quarter ended 33–23, but it was the second quarter where the game broke open. A 16–5 surge by Serbia ballooned the lead to 21 points (49–28), effectively ending Slovenia’s hopes of a comeback before halftime.

By the time the final buzzer sounded, Serbia’s bench had joined in on the scoring, highlighting the depth that makes them one of the favorites for the upcoming tournament.

Slovenia’s Concerning Form

For Slovenia, the result was part of a troubling trend. While Serbia has been flawless in their warm-up games, winning all seven, Slovenia has struggled, managing just one win in six outings. With Dončić carrying a heavy load and the supporting cast failing to step up, Slovenia looks vulnerable heading into EuroBasket.

Coach Aleksander Sekulić will need to make adjustments quickly if Slovenia is to avoid an early exit. Facing a tough Group D that includes France, Israel, Belgium, Poland, and Iceland, the road ahead is anything but easy.

EuroBasket 2025 Outlook

Serbia enters EuroBasket with sky-high expectations. They will compete in Group A, alongside Latvia, Portugal, Estonia, Turkiye, and the Czech Republic. On paper, they should be heavy favorites to top their group, especially with Jokić in MVP form and a deep rotation behind him.

Slovenia, meanwhile, will hope that Dončić can rediscover his shooting touch and that role players can provide much-needed scoring balance. Against teams like France, they cannot afford inefficient nights from their superstar.

The Bigger Picture: Jokić vs. Dončić Rivalry

While Thursday’s result won’t define either player’s legacy, it added another chapter to the fascinating rivalry between Jokić and Dončić. Both are global superstars, both are among the most skilled players of their generation, and both carry the weight of their nations’ hopes.

Jokić, with his calm and calculated brilliance, continues to prove he can elevate Serbia into a dominant force on the international stage. Dončić, fiery and passionate, remains capable of single-handedly carrying Slovenia, but he will need help if they are to contend.

Their showdown in Belgrade may have ended in a blowout, but fans are already hoping for a rematch on a bigger stage—perhaps deep in EuroBasket or even in future Olympic competition.

Conclusion

The 106–72 victory for Serbia over Slovenia was more than just a friendly warm-up; it was a statement. Nikola Jokić once again showed why he is considered one of the best players in the world, combining efficiency with leadership. Nikola Jović’s breakout performance added excitement for Serbian fans, while Slovenia was left searching for answers after another disappointing outing.

As EuroBasket 2025 tips off, Serbia looks like a team ready to challenge for gold, while Slovenia faces an uphill battle to prove they belong among Europe’s elite. And at the center of it all, the rivalry between Jokić and Dončić continues to capture the imagination of basketball fans worldwide.