Thunder's Lu Dort Struggles Offensively Could Hurt Playoff Hopes

Oklahoma City's defensive specialist has seen a dip in 3-point shooting this season, raising concerns about his fit on a title contender.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:51pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of blue, orange, and white colors representing the Oklahoma City Thunder's uniforms. The image conveys the fragmented and deconstructed nature of the team's offensive struggles with one of its key players.The Thunder's defensive ace Lu Dort has struggled with his shooting this season, potentially exposing a weakness in Oklahoma City's championship aspirations.Oklahoma City Today

The Oklahoma City Thunder are poised to repeat as NBA champions, but one of their key players, Lu Dort, may be a liability heading into the playoffs. Dort, known for his stifling defense, has struggled offensively this season, shooting just 33% from 3-point range compared to 41.2% last year. This has allowed opposing teams to focus more on stopping the Thunder's other offensive threats, like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. The team has been 8.8 points per 100 possessions worse with Dort on the floor, leading some to suggest that Alex Caruso or Cason Wallace could be better options in the starting lineup.

Why it matters

The Thunder's success this season has been built on their depth and balance, but Dort's offensive struggles could be a weakness that opposing teams exploit in the playoffs. If Dort continues to struggle, it could force the Thunder to make adjustments to their starting lineup and rotation, potentially disrupting the team's chemistry and rhythm at a critical time.

The details

Dort is shooting just 33% from 3-point range this season, down from 41.2% last season. When the Thunder went on a run to a championship, teams had to leave Dort open to make sure Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams didn't hurt them offensively. Now, teams are leaving him open because they are more confident he'll miss, and the Thunder haven't been as good with him on the floor.

  • Dort has started all 61 games he's appeared in so far this season.

The players

Lu Dort

A 7-year veteran of the Oklahoma City Thunder, known for his stifling defense and ability to make plays on the wing.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder's star player, who is possibly on his way to a second-straight MVP award.

Jalen Williams

A young, talented player who has been a key part of the Thunder's success this season.

Alex Caruso

A defensive-minded player who could potentially replace Dort in the starting lineup.

Cason Wallace

Another defensive-focused player who could be an improvement over Dort in the starting lineup.

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What they’re saying

“OKC had too many other threats. A Dort trey attempt meant Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren (to say nothing of offensive specialists like Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins) weren't shooting. Now that Dort is a long way below the league average from deep while making just 37.4 percent of his shots overall, defenses that totally ignore him aren't paying a price.”

— Grant Hughes, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

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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.