For Israel, the task was always going to be daunting: stop Luka Doncic.
On Thursday night at EuroBasket 2025, the blue-and-white came close but never quite managed, as Slovenia’s superstar poured in 37 points with 11 rebounds and 9 assists to hand Israel a 106–96 defeat.
The result in Katowice, Poland, dropped the Israelis to 3-2 in Group D and secured them fourth place in the standings, setting up a round-of-16 matchup against either Greece or Italy.
The game began tightly, with both sides struggling to find rhythm until Doncic and Deni Avdija traded baskets in a dazzling first-quarter duel. Avdija, Israel’s NBA forward, matched Doncic shot for shot early, and the scoreline remained close after 10 minutes (26-22). But while Doncic gradually lifted his intensity, no other Israeli player could consistently keep pace, and Slovenia stretched its lead to double-digits by halftime (56-43).
Israel fought to stay in the contest after the break, as reserve guard Guy Palatin provided a spark off the bench with steals and three-pointers, and Avdija drew a fourth foul on Doncic to briefly swing momentum. But Doncic controlled the tempo, scored at will, and set up teammates to seal the win.
Avdija delivers career highlight game
Avdija delivered his finest game in a national team jersey, finishing with a career-high 34 points, while Roman Sorkin posted a double-double (13 points-11 rebounds) and Yam Madar added 10 points. Yet Slovenia’s efficiency was overwhelming: 76 percent shooting inside the arc, 12 made threes, and an overall level of offensive execution Israel’s defense couldn’t withstand.
The defeat leaves Ariel Beit Halachmi’s squad with lessons to learn but also positives to take forward.
Israel showed resilience in battling back against one of the tournament’s top players and earned respect for refusing to fold. Now, with the group stage behind it, Israel must quickly regroup for the knockout rounds. Whether the opponent is Greece or Italy, the path only grows tougher – and the blue-and-white will need Avdija’s brilliance along with greater contributions across the roster if it hopes to extend its EuroBasket journey.