OKC Thunder push Jazz to the wire: Dort dominance tops 3 takeaways
By Brandon Dale
No. 3: OKC’s success reliant upon Shai, but Dort will take this team the extra mile
It was only a matter of time before Thunder fans got to see ‘Bubble Lu’ back in action. This should ease Thunder fan’s minds because there were talks about Dort not being able to sustain this type of play outside of the “NBA Bubble,” however, this is not the case.
Monday night Lu looked terrific. His energy was unmatched, and he was able to hold Donovan Mitchell to five points in the first-half while pouring in 20 out of his 26 points before the 4th quarter.
Monday was also Dort’s regular-season career-high. It is no surprise that it came at the Utah Jazz expense, even if it was in a losing effort.
Dort is becoming much more confident with his ability to drive to the basket. Watch how quick he puts the ball on the floor to get to the paint for the easy two:
https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1343750615088955394?s=20
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
This display from Lu is even more impressive since he used his left-hand to get to the basket, which is something OKC fans hadn’t witnessed a few months prior.
His defensive ability and the all-around game will undoubtedly keep him in the running for ‘Most Improved Player of the Year.’
His shooting looks superb as Dort has grown comfortable with having the ball in his hands. Look for Lu to expand his game this season as he will look to be the most valuable player on the OKC roster.
Dort will unequivocally be the most critical piece to this young Thunder group moving forward,
Although OKC lost dramatically to the Jazz, more instances point towards massive growth for the future of the franchise.
Even though it was not the outcome OKC Thunder fans desired, these are the teachable moments that will prove invaluable as the season progresses.
OKC will look for a quick turn around as the Thunder host the Orlando Magic Tuesday at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Thunder push Jazz to the wire: Dort dominance leads 3 takeaways
Next. Thunder among leaders in NBA offseason Power Rankings. dark