Tensions Rise Between Luguentz Dort and Nikola Jokic in Thunder-Nuggets Showdown

In a closely contested game on March 10, 2026, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets 129-126, but the match was overshadowed by a flagrant foul committed by Thunder forward Luguentz Dort against Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. This incident marked the second time in ten days that Dort had been involved in a controversial foul against Jokic, raising tensions between the two players and their teams. During the fourth quarter, while navigating a screen set by Jokic for guard Jamal Murray, Dort inadvertently struck Jokic in the face with his arm, leading officials to assess a flagrant 1 foul after review.

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Following the game, Dort expressed remorse for the incident, stating, “Just lost in the competition,” and emphasized that he did not intend to hit Jokic. He acknowledged the foul and apologized to Jokic, saying, “I didn’t mean to hit him in the face. My arms are just everywhere.” Jokic, for his part, did not feel that Dort crossed the line this time, contrasting his reaction to a previous incident on February 27, where Dort was ejected for tripping him. “It was over since last time,” Jokic remarked, indicating that he held no hard feelings regarding the latest foul.

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Nuggets head coach David Adelman, who had previously criticized Dort's actions, expressed frustration but also recognized the impact of the foul on the game. He noted, “Obviously, that play helped us stay in the game,” referring to the momentum shift that followed the foul. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault later admitted that his initial dismissive comments regarding the earlier incident were poorly timed, stating, “I don’t think my postgame comments helped.”

ESPN

The foul occurred with the Nuggets trailing by seven points and just over a minute left in the game. Jokic converted a free throw from the foul, and Denver capitalized on the extra possession to score a three-pointer, narrowing the gap. Despite the late rally, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander secured the win for the Thunder with a game-winning three-pointer, capping off a performance that included 35 points and 15 assists.

New York Times

The incidents between Dort and Jokic have intensified the rivalry between the Thunder and Nuggets, both of whom are vying for playoff positioning. The Thunder currently lead the season series 3-0, with a final matchup scheduled for April 10, 2026. As both teams prepare for the playoffs, the physicality and competitive nature of their encounters will likely continue to be a focal point.

Thunder’s Lu Dort hit with flagrant foul after blatant hit on Nikola Jokic

While both players downplayed the significance of the latest incident, there remains a divide in public perception regarding Dort's physical style of play. Some analysts and fans have criticized his repeated fouls as dangerous, citing past incidents that have raised concerns about player safety. The ongoing narrative suggests that the rivalry may escalate further, especially as both teams approach the postseason.

USA Today