Nuggets Star Calls Out Thunder Guard's 'Unnecessary' Play
Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic pulled no punches when addressing Lu Dort's controversial flagrant foul 2 that led to the Oklahoma City Thunder guard's ejection during Friday night's intense Western Conference showdown.
The incident occurred midway through the third quarter with the Nuggets leading 78-71, when Dort appeared to deliberately trip Jokic as the two-time MVP drove toward the basket. Officials reviewed the play for several minutes before issuing the flagrant 2, automatically ejecting Dort from the game.
Jokic Speaks Out on 'Dirty' Play
"That was an unnecessary move," Jokic said during his post-game press conference. "I understand basketball is physical, but there's a line between competing hard and making dangerous plays. When you trip someone running full speed, that crosses the line."
The Serbian center, who finished with 31 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists in the Nuggets' 118-106 victory, appeared visibly frustrated immediately after the play. Television replays showed Dort extending his leg as Jokic attempted to drive past him, causing the 6'11" center to stumble and nearly fall.
"I've played against Lu before, and he's always been a tough defender," Jokic continued. "But tonight felt different. That wasn't basketball to me."
Thunder Coach Defends Dort's Intent
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault defended his player's actions, arguing the contact was incidental rather than intentional.
"Lu is one of the most respected defenders in this league," Daigneault said. "He plays hard every night, but he's not a dirty player. Sometimes in the heat of competition, plays look worse than they actually are."
Dort, who had recorded 12 points and 3 steals before his ejection, declined to speak with media after the game. The 6'3" guard has built a reputation as one of the NBA's premier perimeter defenders since joining Oklahoma City in 2019.
Impact on Western Conference Standings
The victory moved Denver to 23-11 on the season, maintaining their grip on the third seed in the competitive Western Conference. Oklahoma City, meanwhile, dropped to 21-13 and now sits fourth in the standings.
The ejection proved costly for the Thunder, who were outscored 28-19 in the final quarter without their top perimeter defender. Jokic exploited Dort's absence, scoring 12 of his 31 points in the fourth quarter.
League Review Expected
NBA sources indicate the league office will review the incident as part of their standard protocol for flagrant 2 fouls. While Dort has already served his automatic one-game suspension through the ejection, additional discipline could follow if the league deems the play particularly egregious.
"Player safety is our top priority," said one league source who requested anonymity. "We take all flagrant fouls seriously, especially those involving potential injury risk."
The two teams won't meet again until March 15 in Oklahoma City, giving tensions time to cool. However, Friday night's incident adds another layer to what has become an increasingly competitive rivalry between two Western Conference contenders.
Jokic, who has been ejected just twice in his eight-year career, emphasized that he harbors no personal animosity toward Dort but expects better moving forward.
"We're all professionals here," Jokic concluded. "I just hope we can keep it between the lines next time."
