OKC Thunder: Luguentz Dort defensive dominance tops season highlights
Luguentz Dort has put together many highlights in his first year with the OKC Thunder which features limiting All-Stars James Harden and Donovan Mitchell.
OKC Thunder rookie Luguentz Dort has stunned this season with his unbelievable confidence and commitment to work hard at his craft.
The Canadian plays like a veteran, can visualize plays and matchups without being on the court and takes everything in his stride.
Due to being on a two-way contract with the Thunder and their G-League Affiliate the OKC Blue, this season he is only allowed to be with the varsity team for 45 days.
Since practices count toward the allotted 45 day total his inclusion in practice sessions is limited or replaced by time on his own studying a lot of game film. Dort then re-joins the team on game day as a starter. It’s impressive to see a first-year player who is able to slot right in and not even have to train with the team, but excel in whatever situation he’s put in.
His desire to do his job to his ultimate best and not be afraid of making mistakes has resulted in his insertion into the starting rotation.
Dort is averaging 6.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 29 games featuring 21 games in the starting rotation.
Dort challenges Harden in first NBA start:
https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1219396997041405954
What better way to have your first NBA career start than against James Harden and the Houston Rockets. It was a battle between two guys from Arizona State as both Dort and Harden attended the University.
The OKC youngster was sensational as Harden’s primary defender. As per the ESPN Box Score and Thunderous Intentions player grades, Dort held Harden to one of 17 from deep.
It’s safe to say Lu earned respect after the match, showing that he was willing to take on a challenge. He played a significant role in the OKC Thunder’s 112-107 victory – their second win over the Rockets this season, as they climbed back from 17 points down.
His defensive prowess was put on full display but he also managed to put up eight points along with two rebounds, two assists, and a 3-point basket. One memorable moment besides his defense also included a put-back hammer late in the second quarter. Revisit this moment and the highlights from the game in the video above.