Lu Dort has heard the noise - the questions about his shooting, the whispers about his future in Oklahoma City - and he's answering them the only way he knows how: with relentless defense, timely buckets, and the kind of grit that doesn’t show up in box scores but wins games.
Since returning from a foot injury that kept him out of the Thunder’s revenge game against the Spurs, Dort has been on a tear. In just over 27 minutes per night, he’s putting up 11.5 points and 4.0 boards while shooting a scorching 55.0% from three. That’s not just efficient - that’s elite territory, especially for a player whose perimeter shooting has been under the microscope.
But let’s be clear: Dort’s calling card has never been his jumper. It’s his defense - and right now, he’s playing it at an All-NBA level.
Opponents are shooting just 34.1% from the field and 34.5% from deep when guarded by Dort. That’s not just solid - that’s lockdown. His defensive rating sits at an eye-popping 101.7, a number that speaks to the kind of impact he’s having every time he steps on the floor.
And if you need a snapshot of what that looks like in real time, just rewind to Oklahoma City’s last two games against the Cavaliers and Bucks. Dort was handed the toughest assignments on the court: Donovan Mitchell and Giannis Antetokounmpo. That’s a two-time MVP and one of the league’s most explosive scorers - and Dort made both of them work for everything.
Combined, Mitchell and Giannis managed just 38 points on 44.8% shooting. That’s not bad, but considering the caliber of those two, it’s a win for the defense - and a massive win for the Thunder, who rolled to back-to-back victories with a combined margin of +26.0.
Even Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson had to tip his cap, calling Dort “one of the best defenders in the league” after his team’s 136-104 loss. He didn’t mince words: Dort’s defense was a major reason Mitchell struggled to find his rhythm.
For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dort’s defensive intensity is no surprise. He knows his teammate takes every matchup personally - and it shows. Whether it’s picking up full court, fighting through screens, or bodying up a physical force like Giannis, Dort is bringing a level of physicality and focus that’s hard to match.
And that’s where things get interesting.
There’s been chatter about Dort’s contract situation, with some suggesting OKC might decline his club option next season to maneuver around the NBA’s second-apron tax. But Dort isn’t making that decision easy. Since the calendar flipped to January, he’s averaging 9.8 points, 1.2 steals, and shooting 40.8% from deep - all while continuing to anchor the Thunder’s perimeter defense.
His latest outing against Milwaukee was another reminder of what he brings to the table: 13 points, two steals, and 42.9% from three - all while making life difficult for one of the most dominant forces in the league.
Dort’s not just playing to quiet the doubters. He’s playing like a guy who knows exactly who he is - and why he matters to this young, rising Thunder team. If there were any questions about his value, he’s answering them loud and clear.