The (4-5) Phoenix Suns are hosting the (5-4) Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. The starting small forward for the Thunder is Lu Dort, who played his college ball at Arizona State. The former Sun Devil has really made himself a highly valuable NBA player. He is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA.
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Lu Dort is a maniac on defense pic.twitter.com/jHqP6ni0yw
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) December 22, 2022
oh my goodness Lu Dort defense-to-offense for the win!!! pic.twitter.com/pQMPFimNAQ
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) November 13, 2021
Lu Dort played some incredible defense on Jamal Murray to seal the Thunder's win ????pic.twitter.com/58hombPkfS
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 23, 2023
Dort Is More Than A Defensive Player
Lu Dort made his initial mark in the league as a defensive player but has improved immensely on the offensive end of the court. This is where he has a case to be an early season candidate for most improved player. Last season Dort averaged 13.7 points per game while shooting 38% from the floor, 33% from three, and 77% from the free throw line.
So far this season Dort is averaging 14.3 points per game, which isn’t a huge jump but he is light years better than last season from an efficiency standpoint. He is shooting 52% from the field, 53% from three, and 82% from the free throw line. Now, Dort will come back down to earth a bit as the season goes along but this start should shoot him to the top of the most improved player conversations.
It will be very interesting to see how the Thunder use him against the Suns. Will he be asked to guard Durant, Beal or Booker. Beal and Booker are game-time decisions on whether or not they will play tonight? Whoever Dort guards will have a tough night. The Suns also have to worry about Dort taking advantage of the attention that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Chet Holmgren get. The ability he has shown to take advantage of being the fourth or fifth option highlights the improvement he has made.
