Luka Doncic is a special player who is popular everywhere he goes. But tonight in Cleveland, he was even more popular. Surprising as Doncic plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ opponents tonight, the Dallas Mavericks. That is because the Slovenian population of Cleveland showed up for the game. But they did something more spectacular for their beloved superstar. They sang him Happy Birthday, in Slovenian as he was signing autographs.
Doncic was greeted by his countrymen and women inside the arena before the game against the Cavaliers. Cleveland is home to over 80,000 Slovenian nationals. Doncic greeted them, took photos, exchanged banter, and signed autographs.
This year, however, the Slovenian fans met Doncic knowing that his birthday is tomorrow. Hence, they decided to wish Doncic an advance happy birthday. And they did that by singing the song in Slovenian, while Doncic was signing autographs after the game.
He gave an entertaining performance for his Slovenian brethren. Putting up a heroic 45 points, 9 rebounds, and 14 assists showing drew rapturous applause from the Slovenians. No wonder he got an early birthday wish in his native language from the fans who loved his elite performance.
It might have been the best mood lifter for Doncic. After all, Doncic and the Mavericks lost the game to a Max Strus‘ buzzer-beater. After a heroic showing in front of his national fans, the loss due to that shot might sting. But the birthday wishes should heal the wound.
Luka Doncic acknowledged his love for Slovenia
Luka Doncic has always maintained his love for his country. He does not shy away from representing the Slovenian national team in any basketball tournament. Doncic wears the Slovenian national jersey with pride and prefers to spend his off-time in his native land. He loves everything Slovenian.
Luka Doncic met with the Slovenian nationals residing in Cleveland prior to the game (Image via Hayden Grove/X)He confirmed that with Mavericks reporter Grant Afseth after the game;
Oh, it’s crazy. There was Slovenia music here. I always represent Slovenia. I always put up first; even in Dallas, you have Slovenians, so I always put Slovenia first. I’m happy to represent this country. It was amazing to see.
Luka Doncic is a true patriot. His love for everything Slovenian is apparent from what he told Afseth. After all, for someone who stays away from the media during his time in his own country, speaks volumes.
Doncic was wished well by 80,000 of his own people. Those are wishes he will cherish going into tomorrow. After all, nothing beats hearing birthday wishes in one’s native language, especially when you are far away from home.
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