3 Thunder players who exceeded expectations on the way to No. 1 seed

Lu Dort

Last year, Lu Dort was on a different level compared to some other teammates in terms of fan perception. He often drew energy off fans as his inconsistent performances last season hurt the Thunder’s cause on numerous occasions. 

The ups and downs of Dort’s 2022-2023 season were dizzying and offensive struggles made him a polarizing figure, tempering expectations heading to this year's campaign.

Fortunately, Dort, who has primarily been known as an excellent perimeter ball-stopper on defense, has catapulted himself into becoming one of the league’s best 3-and-D players. 

As a result of the Thunder’s key additions in the offseason, the veteran saw a dip in his per-game counting stats this year, recording 10.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. With lesser usage, however, Dort has been as efficient as ever, bumping his true shooting percentage to 59.3, which is notably higher than his 51.3 percent clip from last year. 

Dort's usage was also scaled back to just 15.4 this season, his lowest since his rookie year which was the last time the Thunder made the playoffs. 

The guard has also shot career-highs from both beyond the arc and effective field goal rate this season, boasting clips of 39.4 percent and 55.7 percent, respectively. These stats signaled Dort’s jump in production, shattering what was once lackluster offensive expectations.

In just one year, Dort turned his reputation around. Now, he is entering a playoff series as one of the most crucial players on the roster.