After cruising past Belgium with a commanding 92-64 win, the French national team faces their ultimate test this Saturday at EuroBasket 2025: stopping Luka Dončić. The Slovenian prodigy, now with the Los Angeles Lakers, continues to dominate at the highest level, leaving fans and players alike questioning whether anyone can truly contain his genius.
Dončić’s history against France is unforgettable. On September 7, 2022, he torched the French defense for 47 points in the EuroBasket group stage, a performance that left even NBA defensive stalwart Rudy Gobert powerless. With incredible shooting accuracy and an ability to manipulate defenses like few before him, “Luka Magic” showcased why he is considered one of the best players on the planet. Three years later, he remains a nightmare for any team daring to challenge him.
This year, Dončić has already made headlines in the tournament, becoming the first player to record over 30 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals in a single EuroBasket match, though it wasn’t enough to secure a win against host nation Poland. For France, the memory of Dončić’s previous domination is fresh, and the central question is clear: how do you stop a player who seems impossible to defend?
French stars Bilal Coulibaly and Frank Ntilikina have been studying Dončić closely, offering insights into how to limit his impact. Coulibaly, who impressed against Belgium with a series of highlight-reel defensive plays, believes that pressure and anticipation are key. “It’s by defense that we win games,” he says. “We have to put pressure on him. He will find ways to escape, but we need to minimize damage — that’s how we help the team.”
Ntilikina, who played alongside Dončić in the past and knows his tendencies intimately, emphasizes Dončić’s improved agility and conditioning. “We’ve seen how he moves at his best,” Ntilikina explains. “He’s back to peak form, and that makes him even harder to stop. It’s going to be a very high-level match, and I’m excited to see what he brings this time.”
Defensively, France will have to be versatile. Dončić is too powerful for guards, too mobile for big men, and his ability to read and manipulate defensive schemes means the French players must stay alert at every moment. Coulibaly’s athleticism, length, and anticipation make him a key component of France’s strategy, while Ntilikina’s experience and court vision will help anticipate Dončić’s moves and disrupt his rhythm.
As the game approaches, all eyes are on this clash of talent. France has the tools, skill, and preparation to challenge Dončić, but stopping a player of his caliber is never straightforward. The battle promises to be intense, tactical, and thrilling — a true test of defensive strategy against one of basketball’s brightest stars.
The question remains: can France contain Luka Dončić, or will the Slovenian superstar once again leave the world in awe of his brilliance? One thing is certain — fans around the globe will be watching every move.
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