Nikola Jokic Criticizes Luguentz Dort for ‘Unnecessary’ Flagrant Foul
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OKLAHOMA CITY — Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic accused Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort of using a “dirty” tactic after Dort was ejected for tripping him during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 127-121 overtime loss Friday at Paycom Center.
Altercation sparks double technicals
With 8:03 left in regulation, Dort backed into Jokic while running up the floor and stuck out his right foot, sending the three-time MVP sprawling. Jokic immediately confronted the guard, bumping chests before Thunder center Jaylin Williams stepped between them. Jokic and Williams exchanged shoves, leading officials to issue double technicals. After video review, Dort’s foul was upgraded to a flagrant 2, triggering an automatic ejection.
“It was an unnecessary move, and my reaction was necessary,” Jokic said afterward.
Crew chief James Williams told a pool reporter the contact was deemed “unnecessary and excessive with a high potential for injury,” and the ensuing scuffle factored into the flagrant 2 decision. Jokic and Williams were not ejected because their actions did not reach that threshold, the crew chief added.
Thunder coach questions precedent
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said he expects the same penalty if a similar trip happens to any of his players. “If that’s the line in the sand, we’re good,” he noted, declining to say whether Jokic’s MVP status influenced the ruling.
Gilgeous-Alexander returns, Nuggets skid continues
The altercation overshadowed the return of reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who posted 36 points and nine assists in 34 minutes after missing nine games with an abdominal strain. He sat out overtime because of a preset minutes limit.
Jokic finished with 23 points, 17 rebounds and 14 assists for his league-leading 22nd triple-double but shot 9-for-25 from the field and 2-for-10 from deep. Since rejoining the lineup following a month-long absence, Denver is 4-7 overall and 1-6 in games decided by five points or fewer in the final five minutes.
Nuggets interim coach David Adelman said Jokic’s frustration stemmed from what he viewed as inconsistent officiating near the basket. Jokic attempted five free throws and repeatedly voiced displeasure over no-calls throughout the night.
The division rivals, who met in a seven-game Western Conference semifinal last spring, will face each other again on March 9 in Oklahoma City.
Source: ESPN
