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In a night filled with tension, drama, and high-stakes basketball, the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled off a thrilling 127-121 overtime victory against the Denver Nuggets, but not without controversy. Tempers flared in the fourth quarter when Thunder guard Lu Dort was ejected for a Flagrant 2 foul against Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, marking a dramatic turning point in the game.
The incident was brewing from the very beginning. Last season, Oklahoma City narrowly defeated Denver 4-3 in the Western Conference semifinals, and tensions carried over into this matchup. Jokic, determined to match the Thunder’s aggressive style, finally snapped after repeated physical encounters. Dort, known for his tough defensive play, crossed the line with a dangerous hip check/trip combination, which officials deemed unnecessary and excessive, leading to the ejection.
“Lu Dort was assessed a flagrant foul penalty 2 because his contact on Jokic was unnecessary and had a high potential for injury,” explained crew chief James Williams. The call automatically ejected Dort from the game, leaving fans in shock and fueling intense discussions online and in the arena.
The game was not just about the ejection. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander opened the match with a technical foul after throwing the ball at Jokic, who responded with high contact, setting the tone for an intense showdown. The Nuggets bench was also called for a technical in the third quarter, highlighting the escalating tempers throughout the match.
Nuggets coach David Adelman defended Jokic’s reaction, noting the challenges his 7-foot, 284-pound star faces when away from the basket, often missing calls despite being targeted physically. “He’s competitive and reacted to what was happening to him,” Adelman said, emphasizing that Jokic’s reaction was justified.
On the Thunder side, coach Mark Daigneault welcomed consistency in officiating, highlighting that similar plays should always result in a Flagrant 2, regardless of which player is involved. This clarity ensures that players understand the line between aggressive play and dangerous fouls.
As for the fans, the showdown was unforgettable. Every foul, technical call, and heated exchange contributed to one of the most talked-about games of the season. With both teams boasting high-powered offenses and competitive rosters, the upcoming rematch on March 9 in Oklahoma City promises more intensity, drama, and memorable moments for basketball enthusiasts worldwide.
This clash between the Thunder and Nuggets is a reminder that NBA games are more than just points on the scoreboard — they are battles of skill, strategy, and emotion, keeping fans on the edge of their seats every second.