Nico Harrison Gets Harsh Reminder From Slovenian Fans After Luka Doncic’s Germany Domination

A packed arena in Riga, Latvia, buzzing with anticipation as Luka Doncic steps onto the court for Slovenia at EuroBasket 2025. The stakes are sky-high, the energy electric, and the Slovenian superstar is ready to prove why he’s one of basketball’s brightest stars. But something else is brewing in the stands—something personal, something fiery. Slovenian fans aren’t just cheering for a win; they’re sending a message that echoes far beyond the court.

EuroBasket 2025 was his stage to remind the world of his greatness, especially after a rollercoaster year that saw him traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. The move, orchestrated by Mavericks GM Nico Harrison citing ‘defense’ and questioning his conditioning, left fans stunned and sparked a narrative that Doncic is out to prove his worth. His performance in the tournament? Nothing short of spectacular. But it’s the fans’ reaction during Slovenia’s marquee games that’s stealing the headlines.

Against Italy in the Round of 16, Luka Doncic erupted for 42 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals on 11-of-19 shooting, including a scorching 22-point first quarter. That game marked his second 40-point outing in EuroBasket history, putting him in elite company. He also notched a triple-double during the tournament, one of just four since 1995. Despite Slovenia’s thin roster—missing key players like Vlatko Čančar and Josh Nebo—Doncic carried his team to the quarterfinals, proving he’s a one-man wrecking crew. But it was during the Slovenia-Germany clash that fans took things to another level.

As Luka Doncic battled Germany in the quarterfinals on September 10, 2025, in Riga’s Arena Riga, the Slovenian faithful weren’t just watching the game—they were making a statement. Banners reading “Fire Nico” waved proudly in the stands, a direct jab at Mavericks GM Nico Harrison for trading Doncic to the Lakers.

The trade, described as shocking after a “tumultuous” 2024-25 NBA season, still stung for Slovenian fans who see Luka Doncic as a national treasure. Posts on X captured the sentiment perfectly: “People still haven’t forgotten the Luka Doncic trade to the Lakers 😅🇸🇮 #EuroBasket.” These banners weren’t just about passion; they were a loud reminder that Doncic’s brilliance is something you don’t let go of lightly.

The game itself was a thriller. Germany, the 2023 FIBA World Cup champions, boasted a deep roster with stars like Dennis Schröder, Franz Wagner, and Daniel Theis. Slovenia, on the other hand, leaned heavily on Luka Doncic, who delivered 39 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists despite foul trouble in the second half. Shooting 44% from the field, he kept Slovenia in the fight, but Germany’s balanced attack—led by Wagner’s 23 points and Theis’s 15 points and 9 rebounds—proved too much. The final score: Germany 99, Slovenia 91. Slovenia crashed out, but Doncic’s performance sent a clear message: he’s still a problem for any defense.

The “Fire Nico” banners weren’t just about fan frustration—they were fueled by Luka Doncic’s relentless dominance. His EuroBasket run was a masterclass in proving doubters wrong. After the playoffs, Doncic arrived in Slovenia noticeably leaner, addressing years of questions about his fitness. “There have always been questions about my fitness, but I thought I was playing great before too,” he said. “It wasn’t easy at first, but then it becomes a habit.” His improved conditioning translated to the court, where he showed surprising quickness on defense, leading the tournament in steals, including five against Poland.

This earned Doncic to be nominated for the Best Defensive Player award at EuroBasket 2025. Despite his reputation for offensive prowess, he surprised many with his defensive improvement and led the tournament in steals, averaging 3.2 steals per game during the group and knockout stages.

Doncic’s ability to elevate a shorthanded Slovenian squad was remarkable. Without Čančar and Nebo, he adapted to playing alongside Alen Omić, a different type of center, and still posted elite numbers. His 37-point, 11-rebound, 9-assist game against Israel (12/21 FG, 9/9 FT) and his clutch free throws against Italy showed why he’s a big-game player. For Slovenian fans, every bucket, every steal, every highlight was an opportunity to downplay the decision to trade him. The Lakers, who approved his EuroBasket participation, must be thrilled with their new star, while Harrison faces the heat of those “Fire Nico” banners.

A New Chapter for Luka Doncic

Since the playoff exit in 2025, Luka Doncic has been on a mission. His physical transformation—evident in a viral half-court shot during training camp—silenced critics who questioned his conditioning. He showed up to EuroBasket not just to compete but to dominate, carrying Slovenia further than their roster suggested they could go. His mental toughness shone through, too.

Despite a knee scare in a warm-up game against Latvia, he played through pain and foul trouble, never making excuses. His comments about not resenting absent teammates and praising Omić showed a maturity that matches his on-court brilliance.

The trade to the Lakers, a high-pressure market, seems to have lit a fire under Doncic. His EuroBasket stats—35 PPG, 9 RPG, 7 APG, 46% FG—cemented his status as a generational talent. While Slovenia fell short of a medal, Doncic’s individual brilliance kept them in the conversation. For fans, the “Fire Nico” banners were more than a jab at Harrison; they were a celebration of Luka Doncic’s refusal to be underestimated. As he heads to LA, the basketball world is watching to see how he’ll elevate his new team.

While we don’t know the full details of the trade—whether it was about salary cap, roster fit, or something else—Doncic’s performance suggests the Mavericks may regret letting him go. As he embarks on a new chapter with the Lakers, the question looms: can Luka Doncic lead LA to a title and further prove Nico Harrison made a colossal mistake? Drop your thoughts in the comments—what do you think Luka Doncic’s next move should be in the NBA?