Spain – Slovenia
Friendly game
August 11, 18:00 CET
The upcoming friendly game between Spain and Slovenia in Malaga on Friday promises to be a remarkable event in the realm of modern European basketball. It stands as a pivotal element within the comprehensive preparation program for the Basketball World Cup.
The recent performance of Slovenia's players over the course of three matches since the outset of August is undeniably heartening. The influence of this selection's gameplay becomes vividly apparent with the presence of the young NBA sensation, Luka Doncic, on the court. His impact elevates Slovenia to the echelons of the most formidable attacking teams globally. Conversely, in his absence, their performance reverts to being merely average.
With Doncic in the lineup, the Slovenians secured a resounding victory of 104:00 against Montenegro in Ljubljana during their Tuesday match. Before that, they engaged in a close contest against Greece, where they succumbed 98:91 on August 2nd, showcasing an extraordinary offensive prowess. In their latest encounter against Montenegro, Doncic exhibited an astonishing performance with 34 points, 13 rebounds, and 14 assists. Notably, he spent nearly 33 minutes on the field, underscoring his unwavering leadership on the court.
Past friendly matches have exposed Slovenia's susceptibility due to their inclination towards swift, short attacks and quick shots, which has left them vulnerable in defense. This issue was a prevailing concern for the team during the Eurobasket last year. Out of seven matches, Slovenia conceded less than 80 points only once in the European Championship.
Spain, reigning as the proud world champion, kicked off their preparatory phase with an authoritative victory of 87:57 over Venezuela. Although lacking a single standout attacking leader, the team, guided by the seasoned Italian coach Sergio Scariolo, possesses a well-balanced ensemble. They are set to compete with a composition closely resembling that of the previous year's Eurobasket, demonstrating selfless teamwork and dominance. Throughout the Eurobasket, Spain managed to score fewer than 82 points only twice in the nine games played. Remarkably, they tallied a minimum of 88 points in six of those matches.
Considering that both teams adhere to the same game system as last year, a high number of attacks and consequently points are to be expected in the forthcoming match in Malaga. The fervent crowd in the scorching southern Spanish region is accustomed to high-paced basketball characterized by numerous transition attacks – precisely what they are poised to witness.
Spain's setback lies in the absence of the renowned playmaker Ricky Rubio, who withdrew from participating in the World Cup. Rubio's significant contribution primarily revolves around his outstanding defense. His absence is likely to prompt the national team to prioritize three-point shots early in the offensive phase.
Spain's edge in this match will primarily manifest under the basket, foretelling a substantial scoring potential for towering players such as the Hernangomez brothers, Willy and Juancho. Additionally, the form of Sergio Llull, the experienced playmaker from Real Madrid, will be closely monitored as he is anticipated to be a pivotal offensive asset among the guards.
With the World Cup commencing in two weeks, the match is expected to be played without an excessive emphasis on fouls, game interruptions, or significant tactical shifts. Both teams have a prime opportunity to offer fans a spectacle of fast-paced basketball characterized by a flurry of counterattacks – a promise they are poised to fulfill.