The Oklahoma City Thunder were able to take down the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. Shai Gilegous-Alexander was able to make a game-winning shot to seal the deal. He also joined LeBron James in some NBA history with his performance.
While that performance was great, it was marred by another flagrant foul from Lu Dort. Dort was given a Flagrant 1 foul after trying to get around a screen. Dort elbowed Jokic in the face, and the foul was upgraded to a Flagrant 1. It’s the second time he’s been assessed a flagrant against Jokic in as many games.
After the game was over, Dort said that he actually apologized to Jokic for this foul.
GettyOklahoma City Thunder forward Lu Dort plays defense. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
Oklahoma City Thunder Forward Lu Dort Apologizes
Dort let the media know that he apologized to Jokic after the game for the accidental elbow.
“Just lost in the competition,” Dort told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “But shook his hand, [said] ‘great game’ and I apologized that that happened.”
Dort also claims he didn’t mean to hit him in the face.
“I didn’t mean to hit him in the face, but when I go over screens and stuff like that, my arms are just everywhere, and then unfortunately I just hit him in the face. … I didn’t think it was a flagrant 1. Unnecessary means I did [it] on purpose, which I didn’t.”
Mark Daigneault addressed it after the game was over, as well.
“Lu acknowledged the play was unnecessary. I don’t think my [postgame] comments, if I’m being honest, helped. The timing of them was insensitive. I was in the mode of protecting my team. I’ve acknowledged that. We’re ready to move forward.”
It’s the second straight game that Jokic has taken an unnecessary shot from Dort. Dort is known as a physical player throughout the NBA, and he plays tough defense. The two flagrants clearly went over the line, however.
GettyOklahoma City Thunder forward Lu Dort shoots the ball. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
Oklahoma City is Trying to Fight Off San Antonio
The Thunder are still trying to hold off the San Antonio Spurs for the top spot in the Western Conference. Right now, the Thunder have a three-game lead over the Spurs for the number-one seed. OKC has lost to San Antonio several times this season, as well.
Oklahoma City has been the favorite to win the title all season long. They have had to deal with injuries to deal with, especially to Jalen Williams. Even though they haven’t had the full roster available, Daigneault still has the team at the top of the West.
Gilegous-Alexander may have locked up winning the MVP award with his performance against the Nuggets. With other players not being eligible for the award because of the 65-game rule, he is the best option. He might be the best option regardless of which players are eligible.
Gilegous-Alexander is more concerned with winning back-to-back NBA championships instead of back-to-back MVPs.
Thunder Forward Lu Dort Apologizes After Another Flagrant Foul