By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Denver Nuggets fell short in overtime against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on Friday. However, the outcome was overshadowed by a high-tension incident with 8:03 remaining in the fourth quarter, when Lu Dort was ejected after officials assessed him a Flagrant 2 foul for a dangerous hip-check and trip on Nikola Jokic.
Visibly incensed by the play, the Serbian superstar confronted Dort, sparking a heated altercation between both teams. The ensuing scrum required officials to intervene, and Jokic was eventually issued a technical foul for his part in the confrontation. Despite the intensity of the moment, the three-time MVP remained in the game to lead his team through the final minutes.
In a postgame interview, the 31-year-old center appeared remarkably composed when asked if he feared being tossed alongside Dort. “I think I didn’t do nothing,” he stated, defending his actions during the melee. Earlier in the session, The Joker had attempted to downplay the situation, initially refusing to comment on Dort’s move before noting that such actions “are not supposed to be” on a basketball floor.
Reflecting on his own reaction, Jokic admitted it was unnecessary but born from the heat of competition. “Basketball is an emotional game. You’re going to have ups and downs,” he explained. Drawing on his extensive experience in high-stakes matchups against the Thunder, the Sombor native acknowledged Oklahoma City’s ‘chippy’ and physical defensive style, though he praised his team for responding well to the challenge.
The Nuggets, now 37-23 in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season, will look to move past the loss as they return to Denver. They are set to resume action on Sunday, hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena for another critical Western Conference clash.