{"id":157229,"date":"2025-08-30T10:14:02","date_gmt":"2025-08-30T14:14:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=157229"},"modified":"2025-08-30T10:14:30","modified_gmt":"2025-08-30T14:14:30","slug":"thunder-lu-dort-2025-26-defensive-player-dpoy-campaign","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/08\/30\/thunder-lu-dort-2025-26-defensive-player-dpoy-campaign\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Thunder Veteran’s DPOY Campaign For Real?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The driving force behind the Oklahoma City Thunder’s success is largely the titillating triumvirate of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a>, Jalen Williams<\/a> and Chet Holmgren<\/a>. In spite of that, Lu Dort<\/a>‘s development has become pivotal to their success. Specifically, OKC’s defensive expert has done well to help the Thunder build their identity at that end, which proved essential<\/a> on their path to winning the 2025 NBA Finals.<\/p>\n

Of course, Dort’s no hidden gem these days; everybody recognizes his talent.<\/p>\n

Is The Lu Dort DPOY Campaign For Real?<\/h2>\n

After going undrafted out of Arizona State, Dort continues to grow in a multitude of ways, as evidenced by him shooting a career-high 41.2 percent from 3 last season. Nevertheless, after six years in the NBA, the hallmark of his game is that he’s a defensive beast. Now fresh off a championship, the Dorture Chamber<\/a> should now set his sights on another prestigious trophy that will elevate his career. Truly, if there’s a player who will be making a case for the Defensive Player of the Year this time, it’s him.<\/p>\n

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Top 15 Players Guarded by Lu Dort in ’24-’25…<\/p>\n

What stands out? pic.twitter.com\/4bD6X1d761<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA University (@NBA_University) August 29, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n