DALLAS — After traveling more than 5,000 miles, the Frelihs and Kosems reached their destination.
The American Airlines Center.
More than two hours before tip-off between the Mavericks and Phoenix Suns, the two families arrived on the plaza outside the Dallas arena.
They wanted to get there early and find their seats, so they could show off their custom-made jerseys that spelled out: L-U-K-A-M-V-P
They were there to see their favorite player and Mavs perennial All-Star Luka Doncic.
After all, they, too, are from Slovenia.
"We watched him in Slovenia when he played for our national team," said Tjasa Frelih, who was accompanied by her husband two sons.
In July, Doncic proposed to his longtime girlfriend in an enchanting setting by Lake Bled in Slovenia.
The Frelihs and Kosems said they are from "a small village" near Bled, which is nearly 60 kilometers north of the capital and Doncic's hometown of Ljubljana.
"Here for the first time in Dallas, that's something we're really, really excited about," Frelih said.
The families journeyed from Slovenia to London, England, before crossing the pond to New Orleans, La.
They spent a couple days on the bayou before renting a car and driving the 500-mile stretch to Dallas.
"We gambled on the possibility of nobody being injured," Iztok Kosem said.
Thankfully, Doncic and teammate Kyrie Irving suited up for the nationally televised game against the Suns – the Mavs' bitter rival of the last few years.
While Doncic warmed up before the game, the seven Slovenians cheered from Section 113 Row N.
That was until a Mavs staffer escorted them down to the front row, so they could get a closer view of their country's pride and joy.
"Amazing, amazing," Frelih smiled. "I have no other words. Super cool."
Doncic put on a show for his fans with a virtuoso 41 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds in a Mavericks 123-113 victory.
More than 5,000 miles of travel, well worth it for a night they'll never forget.
"It's like a dream come true," Frelih declared. "I'm so happy to be here."
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