Luka Doncic scores 48 points in Olympic debut in Slovenia win

Slovenia's Luka Doncic (L) during the match between Argentina and Slovenia for Group C of men's basketball for the 2020 Olympic Games. EFE

Mavericks star Luka Doncic scores 48 points in Olympic debut as Slovenia defeats Argentina

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 7/26/21

Luka Doncic made his Olympic debut Monday and did not disappoint.

The Dallas Mavericks star notched 48 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in Slovenia's 118-100 win over Argentina. He had 17 points in the first quarter, upping his total to 31 points before halftime.

Luka Doncic goes off for 48 PTS, 11 REB, 5 AST in his Olympics debut as Slovenia defeats Argentina in their Preliminary Round opener! #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/k1OUoG4Vgo
— NBA (@NBA) July 26, 2021

Doncic's 48 points are far from normal at the Olympic Games, which rarely sees such a high individual scoring output. For reference, only four U.S. players averaged double digits during the 2016 Olympics, with Kevin Durant leading the way with 19.4 points per game. Olympic games are also eight minutes shorter than NBA games, making it even more challenging to score such a high amount.

However, Doncic isn't surrounded by NBA talent. His Slovenian teammates are counting on him to have a monster performance night after night.

Before Doncic's arrival, Slovenia had never qualified for the Olympics. The 22-year-old said before the tournament began that while he wants to win both an NBA title and an Olympic gold medal, winning gold with Slovenia is his top priority.

The Slovenians next play Japan on Thursday.

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