Has Oklahoma City Thunder wing Lu Dort taken steps to turn into a 3-and-D role player?
Dort drained both 3-pointers he took in the first quarter of the scrimmage against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday afternoon.
Two 3-pointers doesn’t sound like a lot, but it’s a nice update to see from the young wing. Dort made multiple 3-pointers in only four of his 29 games this season entering the bubble.
Only once in a game this year has Dort made more than two 3-pointers.
The undrafted rookie out of Arizona State has already made a name for himself defensively, starting 21 games in large part because he could be trusted on that end of the court.
But he only made 30% of his 3-pointers and averaged less than one make per game this season.
Super signage for sharp shooters. @luguentz | #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/uIU94Rv1L1
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) July 26, 2020
Dort was open on both 3-pointers he took in the first quarter against the Sixers. It’s not like they were difficult looks.
But if defenders need to stay closer to him, they won’t be able to leak out and help on players like Chris Paul or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander driving into the lane. Double-teaming Steven Adams in the post would be more dangerous.
Can this shot stick?
Dort played seven minutes in the first quarter, scoring six points on 2-for-2 shooting. He also had a block and one foul.
The Thunder trailed 31-26 after the first quarter.
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