Doncic 16-0 in international play.
By beating Spain, Slovenia (#16) gets Germany (#17) in the knockout round. Spain (#2) in an elimination game with the US (#1).
Spain doubled Luka all night and banged him around.
Doncic would split double-teams, only to find a 3rd Spaniard in his way (got two early charging fouls that way). Luka found teammates, Cancar shot well, and their two C's hit the glass and got putbacks (and some nice inside feeds from Doncic).
Spain in trouble. They have an aging team. Rubio has been their highest scorer in these Olympics. Rubio had a nice game, setting up teammates, crafty drives. But he's still a poor shooter. 7-23 FG. 1-8 on 3's, including clanking what would have been a tying shot with under a minute to go.
23 FG's in 24 mins for Rubio? Relying on Rubio as top scorer?
The reality is Rubio is their only good player still in his prime / under 33.
Their team is still dominated by the old/golden generation, most of whom had NBA stints -- Pa & Ma Gasol (41, 36), Rudy Fernandez (36), Sergio Rodriguez (35), Victor Claver (33) and Llull (33) who never came stateside.
Even Rubio (31) is now on the downside of 30.
Willy Hernangomez (27), Arbines (28), Juancho (26) and Albalde (25) are all the next generation has had to offer. Otherwise Usman Garuba, just picked #23 by HOU is 19 years old -- saw just 7 minutes v. Slovenia.
Spain is an old, slow team. I imagine they are just going to foul and roughhouse the US team since they won't be able to keep up with them on drives or in transition. I doubt Ma & Pa Gasol have enough oomph to punish the small US team inside. (maybe see if Willy can?) Spain has some gunners, but they can't drive. Guard the perimeter, get out and run, and Spain will be a corpse. Spain likely not enough to exploit the weak D of Lillard and Lavine. Shut down Rubio and Spain has just long 3's left.