OKC Thunder: Luguentz Dort is the Harden whisperer

The OKC Thunder have a new defensive master in Luguentz Dort who seems to be the Harden whisperer

OKC Thunder fans are delighted to have their second Canadian back on the court after missing him for the first game of the series. Luguentz Dort is quickly becoming a fan favorite and fulfilling the role of a lockdown defender for the Thunder.

Although OKC has always seemed to have a player who steps into those shoes the difference with Dort is he could become an offensive force with a varied set of tools given his youth.

While the Thunder lost game two, mismanagement of two segments of the game likely cost OKC the game and ability to even up the series. Instead, they entered Game 3 on Saturday virtually in a must-win situation.

As for Game 2, while Luguentz Dort was back it was evident he wasn’t 100 percent yet but he still had an impact on the game’s best scorer. Harden was limited to 16 shots and connected on only five.

Dort assumes the longstanding Thunder stopper role

Game 3 was a different story entirely. A glance at the box score is deceiving as the 38 points by Harden isn’t indicative of his tough night at the office. Luguentz Dort was the difference maker and it might even be safe to say is inside James Harden‘s head!

This series versus the Rockets is quickly showcasing just how special Lu is. Harden has made a living out of shaking players either via his strength or ability to quickly change direction. Dort is his defensive nemesis in that regard.