Okc Stuns Nuggets: Nikola Jokić Confronts Lu Dort as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Returns in 127-121 OT Thriller
The Oklahoma City Thunder (okc) pulled off a dramatic overtime victory against the Denver Nuggets, but the game will be remembered as much for a fourth-quarter altercation as for the final score. A trip on Nikola Jokić by Luguentz Dort escalated into a midcourt confrontation that resulted in an ejection and offsetting technical fouls, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made a notable return from injury and the Thunder’s depth closed out a 127-121 win.
Okc comeback, Gilgeous-Alexander’s return and overtime
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander marked his return from an abdominal strain that had sidelined him since 3 February, having missed nine games. The 27-year-old played 34 minutes, opened his account with a layup and finished with 36 points and 9 assists, but remained on the bench for overtime because of a minutes restriction. Alex Caruso took a leading role late: his drive at the buzzer in regulation bounced off the rim and sent the game to extra time, where the Thunder scored the first five points and held on. The victory was the team’s sixth in their past eight games.
How the altercation unfolded: Dort trip, Jokić reaction and ejections
The sequence that lit tempers began in the fourth quarter when Nikola Jokić was jogging up the floor after Oklahoma City scored and Luguentz Dort stuck out his right leg, tripping the three-time MVP. Initially a common foul was called. Jokić got back to his feet and angrily confronted Dort, putting his chest into the Thunder wing. Jaylin Williams then came to Dort’s defense and exchanged shoves with Jokić at midcourt, with players and coaches from both teams rushing in. It took a while for the two to be pried apart.
Officials’ review, Flagrant 2 and technical fouls
After officials reviewed the contact, Dort’s foul was upgraded to a Flagrant 2, resulting in an automatic ejection. Nikola Jokić and Jaylin Williams were each assessed matching unsportsmanlike technical fouls that offset. Crew chief James Williams explained that the foul was deemed unnecessary and excessive, with a high potential for injury and because the contact led to an altercation that did not dissolve. Officials determined Jokić did not throw a punch when he took a swipe at Williams with his left hand; the NBA rulebook states a punch is punished by an automatic ejection and a minimum one-game suspension. Neither Dort nor Jaylin Williams were made available for comment after the game.
Key statlines, low Nugget support and the game arc
Nikola Jokić finished with a 23-17-14 line: 23 points on 9-of-25 shooting, 17 rebounds and 14 assists. Jamal Murray led all scorers with 39 points, while only two other Nuggets finished with more than seven points. Chet Holmgren provided a two-way presence for the Thunder with 15 points, 21 rebounds and 3 blocks. Denver led by as many as 16 points in the first quarter, but OKC rallied late in regulation when Jokić tied the game with 38 seconds left and the teams headed to overtime, where the Thunder took control despite Gilgeous-Alexander not playing in the extra period.
Coaches’ and players’ reactions to the incident
Nikola Jokić called Dort’s action unnecessary and described his own response as a necessary reaction. He said he was confident he would not be ejected and declined to add more comment on the escalation, saying it was not worth it. Cam Johnson said he did not see the play because his back was turned, but characterized the hit as a cheap shot sufficient for Dort’s ejection. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault described the game as chippy, noting these are two divisional teams with recent playoff history and saying the confrontation boiled over between great competitors; he added that if tripping is treated as a malicious play, his team would expect a flagrant two in similar future situations, whether the victim is Jaylin Williams or any other player. Nuggets coach David Adelman said he still needed to rewatch the incident.
Standings and what the win means
The result left the Thunder at 46-15, two games clear of the San Antonio Spurs for the top spot in the Western Conference. Denver sat tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves for fourth place at 37-23. The physical finish and the handling of the altercation are likely to be discussed as the teams move toward the postseason, while okc’s depth—players such as Jaylin Williams, Alex Caruso and Jared McCain making key plays—proved decisive down the stretch.
Details may evolve as coaches and league officials review the game further; the on-court outcome and the disciplinary rulings from the contest are set for now.
