Lu Dort Rejects 'Dirty' Label After Flagrant Foul on Jokić

Thunder forward says he plays hard but doesn't believe he's a dirty player despite recent incidents.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Lu Dort, the Oklahoma City Thunder forward, has rejected the 'dirty' label that has been applied to him following a flagrant foul on Nuggets star Nikola Jokić. Dort acknowledged the foul was 'unnecessary' but said he doesn't believe he's a dirty player, despite a growing number of incidents this season. Jokić and Nuggets coach David Adelman were critical of the play, with Adelman calling it a 'cheap shot.' Dort has also faced scrutiny for physical plays against Victor Wembanyama and Tyrese Haliburton in the past year.

Why it matters

Dort's physical style of play has made him a key part of the Thunder's lockdown defense, but the recent incidents have started to shift his reputation in a negative direction. As the Thunder continue their pursuit of the No. 1 seed in the West, Dort's approach could become a further point of contention, with the team potentially being painted as 'villains' heading into the playoffs.

The details

In the fourth quarter of Friday's Thunder-Nuggets game, Dort threw his hip into an unsuspecting Jokić as he jogged back up the court, sending the three-time MVP to the floor. Jokić was furious and got in Dort's face, leading to a midcourt fracas. Dort was ejected for a flagrant 2 foul, while Jokić and Jaylin Williams received technicals. The Thunder went on to win the game in overtime, 107-101.

  • On Friday, March 4, 2026, the incident between Dort and Jokić occurred during the fourth quarter of the Thunder-Nuggets game.
  • On Tuesday, March 7, 2026, Dort spoke about the incident after the Thunder's win over the Bulls.

The players

Lu Dort

An Oklahoma City Thunder forward known for his tenacious defense, who has faced criticism for physical plays this season.

Nikola Jokić

The three-time MVP of the Denver Nuggets, who was on the receiving end of Dort's flagrant foul and reacted angrily to the play.

David Adelman

The head coach of the Denver Nuggets, who called Dort's foul on Jokić a 'cheap shot.'

Victor Wembanyama

The star rookie of the San Antonio Spurs, who Dort has also been criticized for physical plays against.

Tyrese Haliburton

The star point guard of the Indiana Pacers, who Dort was physical with during the NBA Finals last season.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think I'm dirty. I have a tough job, guarding the best players every night. It's not easy. Obviously, I play hard. I'm a physical player. It's what I do for my team, and sometimes people think it's too much, but it's always [within] the rules of the game.”

— Lu Dort (koin.com)

“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.”

— Nikola Jokić (koin.com)

“For Dort to take that shot, and then, I guess it wasn't that big of a deal from their standpoint, how they looked at it, is ridiculous. That was malicious. It was a cheap shot. Lu Dort's a great player. That's not what I've seen him do before. At some point, you have to stand up for yourself, and the team does as well.”

— David Adelman, Nuggets Head Coach (koin.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.