Nikola Jokic described his response to Luguentz Dort as “necessary” after what he viewed as an unnecessary play during the Denver Nuggets’ defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The moment unfolded early in the fourth quarter at Paycom Center before the game extended into overtime. Emotions quickly intensified between the conference rivals.
Denver and Oklahoma City met in a seven-game Western Conference semifinal last season, and the competitive edge remained evident Friday night. With 8:03 left in the fourth, Dort appeared to trip Jokic as he advanced up the court.
Jokic calls out Dort’s move after heated exchange
Lu Dort backed into Nikola Jokic and extended his right foot, sending the Denver center to the floor. Jokic sprang up immediately and confronted Dort, initiating contact as teammates closed in.
After the game, Jokic slammed the trip from Dort, noting that it was unnecessary from him, and he felt he had to give a well-earned receipt.
“It’s an unnecessary move and a necessary reaction. There is no such thing — I think there’s not supposed to be those things on a basketball floor. So, it was just an unnecessary move and a necessary reaction by me.”
Thunder center Jaylin Williams stepped between them, which led to shoving and players grabbing jerseys before officials restored order.
Ejections and technical fouls follow late-game clash
Dort was ejected as a result of the sequence, while Jokic and Williams each received technical fouls. The episode reflected the intensity that has defined recent meetings between the teams.
Lu Dort has earned himself a reputation for being one of the most physical players in the NBA. Oftentimes, he tends to go overboard and exert way more physicality than needed.
Nikola Jokic, who rarely embraces a physical confrontation, had enough of Dort’s antics on the night and decided to address it.
Oklahoma City ultimately claimed a 127-121 overtime victory. Jokic’s postgame remarks clarified that he believed his reaction was justified in response to the contact.
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