3 Takeaways in OKC Thunder’s comeback win vs Cavs

Is Lu Dort’s offensive leap coming?

One can depend on Lu Dort to clamp down on the best player of the opposing squad. He did his best against Donovan Mitchell, who had 43 points on 15-for-27 shooting, eight rebounds, and five assists, but the Canadian defensive star showed in the season’s second game that he may be poised for an offensive breakthrough this year.

Dort shot 9-for-13 from the field, on a highly efficient 77 percent true shooting rate for 25 points, alongside six rebounds. Dort made the three that ignited the closing run and connected on a tough layup to give the Thunder the lead in the waning second of the game.

Looking back, Dort was one of the worst drive-finishers in the league last season. With the way he performed versus the Cavaliers, Dort may have to be given more confidence and trust in the offensive side of the game. Clearly, the Thunder would not have won the ball game without Dort’s scoring brilliance.

Defensively, Dort was on his usual tear, especially when it mattered the most, forcing an ugly miss on Mitchell in the final 20 seconds, which would have tied the game if not for Dort’s formidable challenge.

“I take pride in those moments. I’m one of the best defenders in the NBA,” said Lu Dort after the game. He indeed is.

While inconsistency remains an issue in his offensive game, Dort proved again that he remains incredibly valuable for the Thunder on both sides of the court.