Jokic Calls Lu Dort Contact ‘Unnecessary,’ Flagrant 2 Sparks Scuffle in Denver’s OT Loss
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OKLAHOMA CITY — A fourth-quarter collision between Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Lu Dort ignited a brief altercation Friday night at Paycom Center, leading to Dort’s ejection and technical fouls on both teams.
With 8:03 left in regulation, Dort appeared to back into Jokic while extending his right leg as the two moved up the court. Jokic fell, immediately rose, and confronted Dort with a chest bump near midcourt before players and officials separated them.
“It’s an unnecessary move and a necessary reaction,” Jokic said after Denver’s 127-121 overtime defeat. “There is no such thing that’s supposed to be on a basketball floor.”
After video review, the officiating crew upgraded Dort’s foul to a Flagrant 2, resulting in an automatic ejection. Crew chief James Williams explained the decision, citing “unnecessary and excessive” contact with a high risk of injury. Jokic and Thunder center Jaylin Williams received offsetting technical fouls for their involvement in the confrontation.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault questioned the ruling. “If that’s the precedent, we would expect that if it’s anybody,” he said.
The incident overshadowed the return of reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 36 points but sat out overtime because of a minutes restriction. Jokic recorded 23 points, 17 rebounds and 14 assists on 9-of-25 shooting, and Denver fell to 4-7 since his recent comeback from injury.
Source: Hoops Wire
