Donovan Mitchell and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the new victims of Lou Dort

« They have great… defenders », ends with the release of Giannis Antetokounmpo without mentioning any names during his appearance in front of the press, after a conceded a tough loss against the Thunder. The Bucks superstar at least explains that his team has no interest in going one-on-one against such a defense, looking to create “ wall ».

At the heart of this system we find Lou Dort. The latter, despite the lack of size, spent the evening in the Greek, looking to constantly slow him down. One plot sums it up perfectly this strategy. At the beginning of the fourth quarter, when the guests already had a 19-point advantage, the Greek was well on his way to use his speed and start in transition.

Except that after Giannis’ first dribble, Lou Dort was there, halfway down the line, to pick it up. Hesitantly, the Bucks player locked in his right hand and then attempted a behind-the-back dribble to eliminate the defender. There the trap was closed with the arrival of Cason Wallace who stole the hide.

This turnover was the third in a relatively discreet evening for the 31-year-old, who was limited to 19 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists. With a particularly low volume of recordings: 8/11. Lou Dort, who hasn’t stopped challenging his moves, has a lot to do with it. Even if this sometimes results in very limited gestures on his part, like this blow to the head to prevent his opponent from finishing in the circle. Or a slight nudge in the back when his opponent is served in the post.

Commended by Kenny Atkinson

« It was a great defensive effort. The execution of the game plan was outstanding. (…) During two consecutive matches, (Dort) defended (Donovan) Mitchell and Giannis, two very different profiles of players. This just goes to show the extent of his defensive reach and impact », greets his coach Marc Daigneault.

The coach stated well the previous match on the floor of the Cavs. That night, his defensive specialist took care of the Cavs’ star guard. Statistical results for the latter, much less tall and powerful than the Greek: 19 points on just 5/18 shooting. And of course another big win for OKC.

« Lou Dort is one of the best defenders in the league. He proved it again tonight », could only concede defeat to Kenny Atkinson. « He made him go get everything, like he always did. He was perfectly on point tonight and did a great job on it. Being limited to 19 points on 18 shots was really effective for us “, he rubbed Daigneault’s hands.

The next potential target for his player: Andrew Nembhardt, or even Pascal Siakam, when the Pacers come to Oklahoma this Friday.

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.