Maverick notes: Luka rolling with Slovenia; preseason schedule set

It might be the NBA’s down time, but you’d never know it by the way Luka Dončić is rolling with the Slovenian national team.

The Mavericks’ superstar point guard narrowly missed a triple-double as he led Slovenia to a 104-83 wipeout win over Estonia in a qualifying game for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Dončić finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists and also had an impressive block against an Estonian player that was followed with an emphatic stare-down of the opponent.

It continued a strong summer for Dončić, who has been playing for the national team, which will begin the Eurobasket championship on Sept. 1 against Lithuania.

The Slovenians will be among the favorites in the European tournament, thanks to Luka being joined by Goran Dragic and Klemen Prepelic, both experienced veterans on the international stage and, in Dragic’s case, a strong NBA producer for 14 years.

Fans can watch the European qualifying games at the following website. Charges may apply for certain plans. Live Basketball Streams, Schedules and Scores – Courtside 1891

The Eurobasket games are set to be shown over ESPN platforms.

Several other Mavericks were in action on Thursday, including Davis Bertāns as he and Latvia decimated Turkey 111-85 at Riga, Latvia.

Bertāns had 17 points for the Latvians in just three quarters of work. He hit 5-of-7 from 3-point range and his team was a whopping plus-30 while he was on the court.

Also in that game was Kristaps Porzingis, who had 22 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks.

Also, Mavericks’ two-way player Tyler Dorsey had 16 points, three rebounds and three assists in Greece’s 100-94 loss to Nikola Jokic and Serbia.

The Greeks were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had 40 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Also playing for the Greek team is Nick Calathes, a former Maverick draft pick.

In addition, Dwight Powell is playing for Canada, which is going through the Americas qualifying tournament. He had 12 points and seven rebounds as the Canadians beat Argentina, 99-87, late Thursday night.

Exhibition schedule announced: The Dallas Mavericks announced their 2022 preseason schedule today, which tips off against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the BOK Center in Tulsa, on Oct. 5, at 7 p.m.

Following their matchup with the Thunder, the Mavericks will host No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Center on Oct. 7, at 7:30 p.m. They conclude the exhibition season with a playoff rematch against the Jazz in Utah on Oct. 14, at 8 p.m.

Bally Sports Southwest will carry Dallas’ final two preseason games, while the opener against the Thunder will be streamed live on mavs.com.

All three preseason games will be broadcast on 97.1 The Eagle (KEGL). The games can also be heard in Spanish on Univision 99.1 FM (KFZO).

The Mavericks will open the 2022-23 regular season with a playoff rematch against the Suns in Phoenix on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 9 p.m. CT on ESPN.

Twitter: @ESefko