Slovenia’s EuroBasket 2025 campaign ended earlier than fans had hoped, as the team fell to Germany in the quarterfinals despite another herculean effort from Luka Dončić. The Lakers superstar poured in 39 points in that game, carrying Slovenia as far as he could after previously dropping 42 against Italy to push them into the knockout stage. His scoring brilliance was undeniable, but what stood out just as much throughout the tournament was his improved commitment on the defensive end, where he helped spark transition opportunities and keep Slovenia competitive against stronger, deeper rosters.

That defensive dedication was recognized this week when Dončić was officially nominated for EuroBasket’s inaugural Best Defensive Player award, joining NBA peers Goga Bitadze and Isaac Bonga on the shortlist. For a player long scrutinized for his defense, often viewed as the weakest part of his otherwise transcendent game, the nomination marks a turning point in perception. It suggests that Dončić’s EuroBasket performance has not only silenced critics but also elevated him into conversations about all-around impact, carrying important implications for both his international legacy and his upcoming season with the Lakers.

Luka Dončić’s Defensive Dominance at EuroBasket 2025

According to Eurohoops’ post on Instagram, Luka Dončić currently leads fan voting for the inaugural EuroBasket Best Defensive Player award with 24% of the votes. This strong early backing highlights how much his all-around game has impressed fans across Europe, despite Slovenia’s exit in the quarterfinals.

Luka Dončić entered EuroBasket 2025 known for his offensive genius, but this summer he proved that he could change games on the other end of the court as well. His defensive impact was visible not only through statistics but also in the way Slovenia was able to stay competitive against stronger teams. Dončić’s size and court awareness allowed him to switch across multiple positions, often contesting guards at the perimeter while also stepping in to secure defensive rebounds against bigger forwards. Coach Aleksander Sekulić acknowledged his effort, noting, “He had a big desire, and he tried a lot in defense, too. Maybe he will have to accept a little that quality matters here, but everyone has to help Luka.” That sentiment illustrates how central Dončić was to Slovenia’s defensive schemes.

Several performances highlighted his ability to influence games defensively. In the group stage clash against Poland, Dončić not only scored 34 points but also came away with five steals, turning defense into quick transition opportunities. Against Israel, his defensive rebounding closed down second-chance looks, which kept Slovenia ahead during crucial stretches. While he did not take on the role of a traditional lockdown defender, his versatility in reading passing lanes, contesting shots, and providing help defense proved instrumental.

Luka Dončić’s Defensive Stats at EuroBasket 2025

The statistical evidence behind Luka Dončić’s defensive leap at EuroBasket 2025 is compelling. He finished the group phase as the tournament leader in steals, averaging 3.2 per game (FIBA), and maintained a tournament-long average of 2.7 steals per game across seven contests (Wikipedia). Beyond the passing lanes, Dončić controlled the defensive glass, securing 8.6 rebounds per game — the highest mark on Slovenia’s roster (TalkBasket). For a Slovenian team lacking size, Dončić’s rebounding presence was critical, particularly against stronger frontcourts like Germany and Italy.

His defensive numbers were not confined to averages; they featured standout single-game performances that shifted momentum. Against Poland in the opener, Dončić’s five steals tied the highest total recorded by any player in the group stage (FIBA). He followed that with three steals and a block against Israel, a game in which he also collected 11 rebounds (Silver Screen and Roll). These contributions weren’t just statistical padding — they directly fueled Slovenia’s transition game, where Dončić created easy scoring chances from turnovers. Even without published defensive efficiency ratings, his combination of steals, rebounds, and situational stops positioned him as one of the most impactful perimeter defenders in the competition.

Luka Dončić’s Records and Milestones in EuroBasket 2025

Dončić’s EuroBasket 2025 campaign extended his history of record-setting play in international competition. His triple-double against Belgium, 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, placed him among a select group of players in modern EuroBasket history to achieve the feat. At 26 years old, he became one of the youngest players in recent decades to record a triple-double in EuroBasket play, underlining both his versatility and endurance. What made this achievement remarkable was that he accomplished it while leading the tournament in steals, something rarely achieved by high-volume scorers.

For Slovenia, Dončić’s defensive production was unmatched. He not only led the team in steals but also tied veteran Alen Omić with 0.7 blocks per game, showcasing an added layer of rim protection. His ability to contribute across every defensive category elevated Slovenia’s team totals and allowed them to advance past Italy in the Round of 16 despite lacking depth. Though the quarterfinal loss to Germany ended their run, Dončić’s records, both individual and team-centric, solidified his place in EuroBasket lore. Few stars have managed to marry such offensive brilliance with defensive consistency, a duality that now defines Dončić’s 2025 tournament legacy.

Luka Dončić’s Chances of Winning the Best Defensive Player Award

Fan voting has begun for the inaugural FIBA EuroBasket Best Defensive Player award, with Luka Dončić among the headline nominees alongside Lauri Markkanen, Dennis Schröder, Goga Bitadze, and Isaac Bonga. The field is competitive: Markkanen has been instrumental for Finland, balancing scoring with defensive tenacity in their upset of Nikola Jokić’s Serbia; Schröder has anchored Germany’s backcourt defense while guiding his nation deep into the medal rounds; Bitadze has impressed as a rim protector for Georgia; and Bonga has been one of Germany’s most reliable perimeter stoppers. Each brings a distinct defensive profile, making the voting less about pure numbers and more about context, impact, and team success.

Where Dončić stands out is not only in his statistical résumé but in the narrative attached to it. His defense has long been a point of scrutiny in the NBA, and this nomination represents a dramatic reframe of his reputation. However, Slovenia’s early exit in the quarterfinals may weigh heavily against him when compared to candidates like Schröder and Bonga, whose teams remain in contention. Markkanen, too, benefits from Finland’s surprising progression and his high-profile defensive role in their landmark win. Given these factors, Dončić is more of an outside candidate than a favorite.

That said, even if he does not claim the inaugural award, his nomination alone is significant. It confirms his evolution into a two-way presence and offers a rare international acknowledgment of his defensive growth. For Slovenia, despite falling short of the semifinals, Dončić has delivered a campaign that makes the nation proud, one where he carried them offensively while proving he can also shape games on the other end of the floor.