OKC Thunder guard Lu Dort is facing criticisms from fans on social media after what was described as a “dirty play” against Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker.
In Saturday’s Game 3, the Thunder beat the Suns 121-109 to take a 3-0 lead in their first-round series. Early in the third quarter, Booker tripped over Dort’s right foot. The Suns star fell to the court and immediately grabbed his left ankle.
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After OKC scored on the other end, Phoenix called a timeout. Booker limped off the floor and went to the locker room. He returned to the game late in the third quarter, but the play was much talked about on social media.
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Several fans have described the play as “dirty” and “intentional.”
“(NBA) this should be a suspension,” one fan tweeted.
“He did the same to (Nikola) Jokic,” another fan said.
Here are other reactions:
Reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC with 42 points and eight assists on 15-for-18 shooting. Ajay Mitchell added 15 points, while Alex Caruso chipped in 13 points off the bench.
On the flip side, Dillon Brooks led Phoenix with 33 points and seven rebounds. Jalen Green finished with 26 points and six assists.
What did Devin Booker say about Lu Dort’s alleged tripping incident?
In his media availability following Saturday’s Game 3, Devin Booker was asked about the alleged tripping incident involving Lu Dort. In the play, no foul was called despite Dort raising his hand as Booker fell to the floor.
“I don’t know if it was intentional or not,” Booker said. “I seen he stuck his leg out a little bit. He threw his hand up to say it was a foul and it just wasn’t granted.”
Lu Dort, who was a key player in OKC’s 2025 NBA title, is widely regarded for his physicality on defense. He was selected to the NBA All-Defensive first team last season.
Game 4 of the first-round series between the Thunder and the Suns will be on Monday at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix.
Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos