EuroBasket 2025 has been nothing short of electric. Fans expected jaw-dropping plays, clutch shots, and some wild upsets—but few anticipated that one superstar’s defensive game would suddenly become the talk of the tournament. While the stakes rise in the quarterfinals, discussions are swirling not just about the results on the scoreboard, but about the evolution of a player whose name alone draws attention everywhere he goes. It’s hard to scroll through social media without seeing one thing over and over again – Luka Doncic is making headlines, but this time not just for his scoring prowess.

The tournament has already seen its share of surprises, with dominant performances from seasoned players and breakout stars alike. It has also seen some stunning upsets already, with both Serbia and France having been knocked out in the first knockout stage. At the same time, something about Luka Doncic’s game feels different. He’s not just filling the box score with points and assists—he’s showing a refined edge on the defensive end that few expected from him. Leading the tournament in steals, Luka Doncic earned a Best Defensive Player nomination at the tournament.

Slovenia’s rise to the quarterfinals, despite early hiccups, has been powered by a combination of grit, leadership, and now, surprisingly, defensive tenacity. And that’s exactly why fans and analysts alike are buzzing over his nomination for the inaugural EuroBasket Best Defensive Player award.

For years, Luka Doncic has been known for his offensive wizardry—high basketball IQ, dazzling passes, and clutch scoring. But defense? That’s been an area critics have questioned time and again. Now, the narrative is shifting. After returning to international play leaner, quicker, and more agile, Doncic has been using his physical transformation to his advantage. Reports confirm that his structured weight management and improved conditioning have made him noticeably faster on the court, better able to contest shots, and sharper in defensive rotations.

Statistically, the numbers speak for themselves. Across six games in EuroBasket 2025, Luka Doncic is averaging 3.2 steals per game—topping the tournament. He’s also been solid with defensive positioning, especially against teams like Israel and Italy, where he helped Slovenia secure crucial wins with lockdown plays and timely disruptions. Fans who once doubted his defensive capacity are now marveling at how seamlessly he’s incorporating effort and discipline into every possession.

It’s no surprise that this improved defense has put him in the running alongside elite defenders like Lauri Markkanen, Goga Bitadze. With 14% of the vote so far, Luka Doncic is already the front-runner in the eyes of fans and analysts alike—a sign that the defensive spotlight is shining brighter than ever.

Fan Reactions That Tell the Story

The reaction online has been a mix of disbelief, support, and good-natured rivalry. Here’s how fans are responding to Luka Doncic’s defensive surge—and why it matters.

“As Nico says, DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS 😤” This one’s a hot take with roots in NBA drama. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison famously justified trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers by saying, “defense wins championships.” But after Dallas missed the playoffs, fans were quick to call him out. Doncic’s defensive push in EuroBasket feels like poetic justice, showing that his commitment to defense is real—not just a trade rationale.

“Bro so Giannis doesn’t exist huh? Also steal don’t mean good defense necessarily.” Giannis Antetokounmpo’s defensive reputation is rock-solid, thanks to his versatility and rim protection. Fans pointing this out are reminding others that defense isn’t just about steals—it’s about awareness, communication, and effort. Yet, Luka Doncic’s ability to lead his team with 3.2 steals per game, along with improved positioning and agility, is proving that defense can be cultivated with discipline and hard work.

“EuroBasket is an unserious tournament.” Some fans downplay EuroBasket’s significance, but nothing could be further from the truth. With top-tier talent like Luka Doncic and Giannis competing, and with upsets shaking the group stages, the tournament’s competitiveness is undeniable. Slovenia’s win over Italy and Doncic’s historic 42-point game further prove that this is a proving ground for elite talent.

“NBA is where more athleticism and quicker foot speed on defense is required. 😂😂😂 Luka Doncic can’t guard Ja Morant or Shai or Donovan Mitchell.” While the NBA’s pace is intense, Luka Doncic’s transformation cannot be ignored. He’s visibly faster, sharper, and more aware on defense—traits that are helping him rise to the challenge, even if matchups against quicker guards remain tough.

“Are the rest of them that bad??????” Critics often pointed to Doncic’s defensive flaws, but his offseason work—including fitness routines and mentorship from defensive stalwarts like Marcus Smart—is paying dividends. Slovenia’s defensive resurgence is evidence that growth is possible, even for players once written off defensively.

With Luka Doncic’s defensive reputation now entering mainstream discussion, the Los Angeles Lakers have to be feeling optimistic. His pairing with LeBron James has been one of the most anticipated storylines for the upcoming NBA season, and his EuroBasket performance is only fueling that excitement. If his defensive awareness translates to the NBA level, he could answer long-standing criticisms and emerge as a more complete superstar—one capable of making a deep playoff run.

But beyond the Lakers, this nomination is a landmark moment for Doncic’s career. It’s proof that hard work and self-improvement can reshape public perception. Defense has never been his calling card before—but perhaps it’s about to become one of his defining traits.