Overview
- Lu Dort said he "went over the limit" and called his contact with Nikola Jokić unnecessary, while rejecting the label of a dirty player.
- In the fourth quarter of the Feb. 27 game, Dort tripped Jokić, drew a flagrant-2 after review, and was ejected as Jokić called it an unnecessary move.
- Denver coach David Adelman labeled the play malicious and a cheap shot, said Dort's apology meant nothing to him, and argued no other MVP is defended as physically as Jokić.
- The NBA issued no additional discipline beyond the in-game ejection, and Dort returned to play in Oklahoma City's next outing against the Bulls.
- Commentators, including Draymond Green, described the trip as intentional and supported Jokić avoiding ejection, with a Thunder–Nuggets rematch set for Monday in Oklahoma City.