Mark Daigno celebrates Lou Dort for a 3-pointer against the Kings
OKLAHOMA CITY — For the second straight game, a head coach Mark Daigneault watched Lou Dort connect to four triples to help Oklahoma City Thunder seal the win. Dort recovered from the fall in a 126-109 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday before making three of four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s 113-99 win against Sacramento Kings.
After the win, Daigneault reflected on how Dort’s shot affected the Thunder’s offense when it mattered most against the Kings.
“He has a confidence that transcends the circumstances of the game,” Daigneault said. “He’s going to step up and make a big shot at the most unpredictable time. Tonight was a good example. He made big shots tonight when it seemed like we really needed it.”
Dort finished with 14 points on 5-for-10 shooting, including 4-for-8 from deep, four rebounds, one block and one steal. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (33 points) posted his 12th 30+ point performance on 12-of-24 shooting, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Chet Holmgren added 21 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and one steal.
After making four 3-pointers in the Thunder’s previous two wins, Dort was a combined 8-for-14 from behind the 3-point arc.
Mark Daigneault on Lou Dort’s shooting ‘breakthrough’ for the Thunder
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault revealed how Lou Dort trust was the key to unlock his early season slump, and he wasn’t exaggerating after watching his veteran guard drain eight 3-pointers in two games. As the defending champion The Thunder are trying for the best start in NBA historyDort was a big part of that.
“He’s got a lot of confidence — unwavering. I thought the positive thing about it was that they threw Missy at him,” Daigneault said. “They crossed him to start the game, which is another thing we’re going to see that he’s seen in the past. He came out and shot the ball with confidence, which I think can put doubt in the opposition’s game plan when they do that.
While Dort is averaging 7.8 points and 4.4 rebounds through nine games, he’s still shooting under 30% from three (27.3%) as he slowly finds his offensive rhythm to help the Thunder close out the win.
2025-11-20 05:14:00
