If the defensive qualities of Luguentz Dort are no longer to be proven, the back of the Thunder will once once more have made an impression this night by muzzling Damian Lillard for another victory for Mark Daigneault’s men over those of Chauncey Billups. “I turned it off” (with a Quebec accent), we heard the Canadian say following the game.
What would characterize all-time defenders? Maybe mastering all-time attackers? That’s ( once more) what Dort achieved, as the Montreal native limited Oregon’s No. 0 franchise to just 16 points, all at a mediocre 6/19 in shooting for a player of this quench. In a match that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s teammates narrowly won (101-98 following being trailing for much of the game), the Haitian-born player’s defensive work was essential to contain the 2013 ROY and the prevent the Paycom Center from igniting. A work all the more remarkable that the alumnus of Arizona State (like James Harden) is accompanied on the outside by SGA therefore, but also Josh Giddey who, as talented as they are with the ball in hand, do not present the strongest guarantees in their half of the field (in particular Giddey).
Sweet Jesus the PRISON in which Luguentz Dort put Damian Lillard ????????????pic.twitter.com/hYwSyJcCHm
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) December 22, 2022
The Thunder have undoubtedly found their outside lock for years to come, a vital part in rebuilding Sam Presti’s franchise. The one who played football goalkeeper during his adolescence (well, that explains his penchant for defensive stops, doesn’t it?) is already following in the footsteps of Tony Allen, Bruce Bowen and other Marcus Smart, who have distinguished themselves, or s are illustrated by their formidable efficiency when it comes to blocking the opposing exteriors. To avoid spoiling anything, we add the small fifteen points which are going well, just to be respected on both sides of the field, and here is a player who makes his mark at OKC… to better throw his vis-à-vis!
Luguentz Dort shows night following night that he is an excellent basketball player, especially in defense. However, if he hadn’t finished as a professional with the orange ball, one might easily imagine a career as a prison guard. It is in any case not Damian Lillard who will say the opposite.
