Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 42 points, a career-high. The Oklahoma City Thunder did not go to him for the final shot against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.
Instead, head coach Mark Daigneault had the star guard inbound the pass. He got it in to Al Horford as the Thunder players cleared out the opposite side of the court — all except Lu Dort.
If the Spurs were expecting Gilgeous-Alexander to take the final shot, it’s understandable. That’s what would have made sense. But instead, he was on the sideline, watching the play unfold as Horford created space to receive the inbound pass. The center got room and drove to the right. Help defense came at him — just as Daigneault drew up. Dort was ready. Bang. 102-99 final.
Lu Dort called game! #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/JGBjAraIjo
— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) February 25, 2021
Oklahoma City got their second win in the last three games. In the end, the hero wasn’t Gilgeous-Alexander, who needed just three quarters to post a career-high — no, it was Dort, who finished with 16 points and hit four of the seven 3-point shots he attempted.
The second-year wing was outstanding in the clutch. He made three of his 3-pointers in the final 3:36 of the game.
LU! pic.twitter.com/zWVZi0D2u7
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 25, 2021
Gilgeous-Alexander kept the Thunder in the game with a 21-point third quarter, and then Dort’s fourth boosted them over the Spurs. Oklahoma City improves to 13-19 on the season while the Spurs drop to 16-12.
Check back for reactions from the team.
