**Luka Doncic Suffers Right Knee Contusion in EuroBasket Exhibition Game**
The basketball world held its breath on Saturday as Luka Doncic, the Slovenian superstar and Dallas Mavericks guard, suffered a right knee contusion during an exhibition game between Slovenia and Latvia ahead of the 2025 EuroBasket tournament. The injury occurred in the second quarter of the game, forcing Doncic to exit early and raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming tournament.
### **How the Injury Happened**
Doncic, known for his aggressive drives to the basket, collided with a Latvian defender while attempting a layup. He landed awkwardly, immediately clutching his right knee before limping to the sidelines. Team medical staff quickly assessed him and ruled him out for the remainder of the game as a precaution.
Initial reports suggested a knee contusion (bruise) rather than a more severe structural injury, which was later confirmed by Slovenia’s team doctors. While the injury is not considered serious, the timing is far from ideal, with EuroBasket set to begin in just a few days.
### **Impact on Slovenia’s EuroBasket Campaign**
Slovenia is heavily reliant on Doncic, who has been the centerpiece of their national team success in recent years. His playmaking, scoring, and leadership were instrumental in their historic gold medal run at EuroBasket 2017 and their fourth-place finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
If Doncic is forced to miss any portion of the tournament, Slovenia’s chances of competing for another medal take a significant hit. Veterans like Goran Dragic and Vlatko Cancar will need to step up, but there’s no replacing Doncic’s generational talent.
### **Dallas Mavericks’ Concerns**
While the injury appears minor, the Dallas Mavericks will undoubtedly monitor the situation closely. Doncic is the franchise cornerstone, and any lingering knee issues could affect his readiness for the upcoming NBA season. The Mavericks have invested heavily in building a contender around him, and his health is paramount to their championship aspirations.
Fortunately, a contusion typically requires only rest and minor treatment, meaning Doncic should recover fully before the NBA season tips off in October. However, if he aggravates the injury during EuroBasket, the Mavericks may urge caution.
### **Doncic’s Injury History**
Though Doncic has been relatively durable throughout his career, he has dealt with minor injuries in the past, including ankle sprains and occasional knee soreness. The Mavericks have managed his workload carefully during the NBA season, but international play adds extra wear and tear.
Given his importance to both Slovenia and the Mavericks, there may be discussions about his participation in future offseason tournaments if injuries become a recurring issue.
### **What’s Next for Doncic?**
Slovenia’s medical team will reevaluate Doncic in the coming days to determine his status for EuroBasket. If the swelling subsides and he experiences no lingering pain, he could return to action soon. However, if there’s any doubt, Slovenia may opt to rest him in the group stage to ensure he’s fully healthy for the knockout rounds.
For now, fans and analysts will wait for further updates, hoping that one of basketball’s brightest stars avoids a more serious setback.
### **Conclusion**
Luka Doncic’s right knee contusion is a temporary setback, but the basketball world will be watching closely to see how quickly he recovers. His presence is crucial for Slovenia’s EuroBasket hopes and the Mavericks’ NBA title ambitions. While early signs point to a minor issue, any injury to a player of Doncic’s caliber is cause for concern.
As the situation develops, the priority will be ensuring Doncic returns to full strength—whether that means sitting out a few exhibition games or taking a cautious approach in the early stages of EuroBasket. For now, all eyes remain on his recovery timeline.
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