The curse of the bunny – OKC Thunder lose to Celts: 5 takeaways
Dort hit by rookie whistle:
The curse of the rookie whistle was in full effect for Luguentz Dort who drew a few wonky calls that sent him from the match early.
Isolate on the fourth call in particular which could be used in a film session to teach perfect fundamental defense. The play in question features Kemba Walker driving while Lu Dort perfectly executed his lateral slide to keep Walker in front of him and never once reaches out to impede Walker with his hands.
In fact, the only contact is created by Walker who pushes Dort twice trying to create space. But, a simple Walker head jolt and the appearance he was bodied by Dort cons the ref into the whistle, Dort’s fourth foul and this results in his exit to the bench.
Related Story. Lu Dort’s uprising couldn’t have come at a better time. light
If Donovan doesn’t have Terrance Ferguson to tap in as his replacement it might’ve been a good call to burn a challenge on — but then some of these challenges aren’t getting overturned even with the evidence to say otherwise.
Of note – Kemba Walker scored 27 points with 11 coming at the line via his 13 free throw attempts. Of the 14 points, he produced on made buckets ONE field goal (3-pointer) was made with Dort defending him!
Once the guard checked out of the game with that fourth foul he didn’t see the hardwood again and that felt like poor substitution selection by the coach. It’s understandable Donovan wants to give TFerg another shot. Yet, given how well Dort kept Walker in check the one thing we’re left to wonder is if the Boston guard would have hit those two dagger 3-pointers at game end if Dort is shadowing him.