Lu Dort Admits Mistake on Jokic: “I Crossed the Line”
Lu Dort revisits the incident with Nikola Jokic that ignited the clash between the Thunder and Nuggets. The defender admits he went too far, but firmly rejects the label of a dirty player
The clash between Nikola Jokic and Luguentz Dort late in the game between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder sparked plenty of noise around the league. The hard contact that led to the Canadian defender’s ejection fueled debates and controversy. A few days later, Dort decided to address the episode directly.
Speaking to The Athletic, the OKC player didn’t look for excuses. He admitted the contact on Jokic was a mistake, while also highlighting the highly physical nature of the game.
It was a very physical game the whole way through. That contact was unnecessary, I shouldn’t have done it. In the end I got ejected and I paid the price
Luguentz Dort
The Canadian guard explained that his playing style is always built on intensity, but acknowledged he crossed the line in that particular moment.
Basketball is a physical game, but there are limits. In that moment I crossed them
Luguentz Dort
Thunder-Nuggets Matchups: “Always a Battle”
Despite the incident, Dort made it clear the play didn’t come from any particular dislike toward the Nuggets or Jokic.
Every time we play them it’s always a battle. They’re great games to play in. That foul had nothing to do with the rivalry between the teams
Luguentz Dort
Dort also acknowledged Jokic’s reaction after the contact.
They were right: it was an unnecessary move on my part
Luguentz Dort
“I’m Not a Dirty Player”
During his NBA career, Dort has often been labeled as an overly aggressive defender – a reputation he strongly rejects.
I don’t think I’m a dirty player. I can’t control what the media says. Sometimes they’re just looking for attention
Luguentz Dort
The 26-year-old also reminded everyone what his main role is: guarding the opposing stars every night, a task that inevitably involves physical contact and defensive toughness.
My job is to defend the best players in the league. It’s not easy. I play hard to help the team and I’ll stay true to that approach
Luguentz Dort
The Nuggets’ Cold Reaction
Dort’s comments don’t appear to have changed the mood in Denver. When Nuggets head coach David Adelman and several players were asked about the apology, the response was rather cold: no significant reaction to the admission.
Adelman instead shifted the focus to how difficult it is to defend Jokic.
Nobody in this league is guarded the way he is. Nobody. You don’t see other MVPs taking those kinds of hits
David Adelman
According to the coach, extreme physicality is something Jokic has to deal with almost every night.
It’s part of our reality. He has to play through contact, and I have to find ways to put him in better positions on the floor
David Adelman
The two teams will meet again on March 9, and given the tension from their last encounter, it’s easy to expect an emotional rematch. With Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading their teams, the matchup between the Nuggets and Thunder promises to be one of the most intense games of the season.