Jokic, Dort Downplay Altercation After Physical Nuggets-Thunder Matchup
The contentious foul by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Lu Dort on Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic during Friday’s overtime thriller has been addressed by both players, with Dort expressing remorse for the play.
Dort Admits Foul Was Unnecessary
Dort acknowledged the foul was a misstep, stating The match was physical. It was obviously an unnecessary contact, which I should not have made. And the worst part of it all was that I was expelled.
” He emphasized the intensity of the game, adding It was a high-level match. I’m a competitor, so I fight. It was particularly physical and there are limits. I have exceeded the limits.
”
Dort went on to say he believes Jokic was justified in his reaction, stating He was right. The contact was useless. I shouldn’t have done it.
” He clarified that the incident was not personal, expressing his enjoyment of competing against the Nuggets.
Addressing Perceptions of Dirty Play
Dort also defended his reputation, pushing back against accusations of playing dirty. I have a tough job: defending against the best players every night. It’s not easy and it’s clear that I play hard, that I’m physical. Sometimes we think it’s too much but it’s always according to the rules of basketball.
” He concluded, I don’t think I’m a dirty player. I can’t control the media. They’re looking for buzz. I’ve been doing this for this franchise for years and I’m happy with the way we’re playing. I’m going to continue doing what I’m doing and let the journalists judge me however they want. But I’m not a dirty player.
”
The Initial Incident
The altercation began when Dort appeared to trip Jokic while running up the court. Jokic responded by confronting Dort, leading to a shoving match involving Oklahoma City center Jaylin Williams. Dort was ejected after being assessed a flagrant foul 2, while Jokic and Williams received technical fouls.
The Nuggets ultimately lost the game 127-121 in overtime.
Lu Dort Career Stats
| Luguentz Dort | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | To | Pd | Fte | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2019-20 | OKC | 36 | 22:47 | 39.4 | 29.7 | 79.2 | 0.7 | 1.6 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 2.7 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 6.8 |
| 2020-21 | OKC | 52 | 29:40 | 38.7 | 34.3 | 74.4 | 0.7 | 2.9 | 3.6 | 1.7 | 2.6 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 14.0 |
| 2021-22 | OKC | 51 | 32:39 | 40.4 | 33.2 | 84.3 | 0.7 | 3.4 | 4.2 | 1.7 | 2.9 | 0.9 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 17.2 |
| 2022-23 | OKC | 74 | 30:42 | 38.8 | 33.0 | 77.2 | 1.7 | 2.9 | 4.6 | 2.1 | 3.3 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 13.7 |
| 2023-24 | OKC | 79 | 28:26 | 43.8 | 39.4 | 82.6 | 0.9 | 2.7 | 3.6 | 1.4 | 2.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 10.9 |
| 2024-25 | OKC | 71 | 29:12 | 43.5 | 41.2 | 71.7 | 1.3 | 2.9 | 4.1 | 1.6 | 2.9 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 10.1 |
| 2025-26 | OKC | 52 | 27:53 | 38.8 | 33.9 | 76.2 | 0.9 | 3.0 | 3.8 | 1.3 | 2.8 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 8.6 |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What caused the altercation? Lu Dort fouled Nikola Jokic, and Jokic reacted to what he considered an unnecessary play.
- What was the outcome of the incident? Dort was ejected, and both Jokic and another Thunder player received technical fouls.
- What did Dort say about the foul? Dort admitted the foul was unnecessary and apologized.
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