The Denver Nuggets and OKC Thunder played out a thrilling Game 1 on Monday that was full of fast-paced basketball, clutch shooting and hard fouls. Going into the Paycom Center and facing one of the NBA’s stingiest defenses was never going to be easy. The Nuggets — and especially three-time MVP Nikola Jokić — knew they had to be at their best, and the Serbian center didn’t disappoint.
Jokić delivered a dazzling display, finishing with 42 points, 22 rebounds and six assists to guide Denver to a 121-119 win. But the Nuggets big man also drew controversy in the fourth quarter.
NBA Fans Blast Nikola Jokić After Hard Foul on Luguentz Dort
In a heated game, neither team was giving an inch. With the Thunder leading late, Luguentz Dort was all over Jokić, denying him space. That led to Jokić swinging his arm around and landing an elbow to the back of Dort’s head — a hard foul that was upgraded to flagrant after review.
Dort, known as one of the league’s toughest defenders, is no stranger to physical play. This time, though, he was on the receiving end of a shot that fans didn’t like.
Nikola Jokic elbowed Luguentz Dort in the head on this play. The Joker was assessed a flagrant foul.
Good or bad call? 🤔pic.twitter.com/pr5w3iUBHd
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints)
The flagrant drew plenty of heat from NBA fans online, with many calling Jokić’s move over the line.
A few even called it “dirty.” “[He’s] just such a dirty player,” commented one fan. “[When] we gonna call him ‘dirty’ like they call Joel?” asked another.
“What was bro thinking?” one fan posted. “Lettin his emotions get to him,” wrote another.
One user added, “They would’ve ejected Draymond.”
Jokić, usually more finesse than fury, has shown he can get physical when tested. In 2021, he shoved Markieff Morris in the back after a hard foul from the Heat forward. That same year, in the Western Conference semifinals, he was ejected after a hard foul on Cameron Payne and had a heated exchange with Devin Booker.
Despite the incident, Jokić has continued to lead Denver across the board this season. The Nuggets managed to steal Game 1 in Oklahoma City, but this series is expected to be a long, physical battle. Denver will need its star to keep his cool if they hope to advance past a loaded Thunder squad.
Jokić wasn’t alone in his efforts in Game 1. While he was undoubtedly the star of the night, 21 points from Jamal Murray, 18 points off the bench from Russell Westbrook and a 22 point, 14 rebound performance from Aaron Gordon helped secure the victory for Denver. Gordon also hit his second game winning shot of the playoffs with a 3-point jumper with just under 3 seconds remaining.
Denver and Oklahoma City will continue their series on May 7, with the Nuggets looking to take a commanding 2-0 lead.
