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Thunder Edge Nuggets 127-121 in Overtime Thriller

3/2/2026

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Summary

Thunder Triumph Overtime

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets 127-121 in overtime.
A confrontation between Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets) and Lu Dort (Oklahoma City Thunder) led to Dort's ejection for a Flagrant 2 foul.
Nikola Jokic finished with a triple-double and 23 points.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returned for the Thunder with 36 points and did not play overtime due to a minutes restriction.

Summary

Thunder's Chippy Encounter

Nikola Jokic described Lu Dort's trip as an "unnecessary move."
Cam Johnson acknowledged Dort's ejection as a "cheap shot."
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault described the game as chippy.
He would expect a flagrant foul if a similar incident occurred involving his players.
Dort and Jaylin Williams did not comment post-game.

History

Historical Context

In 1990, the NBA implemented stricter rules against flagrant fouls to improve player safety, following criticisms of aggressive play by stars like Isiah Thomas and Bill Laimbeer. The ejection of Lu Dort for a Flagrant 2 foul underscores the league's ongoing challenge to balance competitiveness with player protection, a struggle that has shaped disciplinary measures and game conduct in subsequent seasons.

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Thunder Triumph Overtime

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets 127-121 in overtime.
A confrontation between Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets) and Lu Dort (Oklahoma City Thunder) led to Dort's ejection for a Flagrant 2 foul.
Nikola Jokic finished with a triple-double and 23 points.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returned for the Thunder with 36 points and did not play overtime due to a minutes restriction.

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