For years, Oklahoma City Thunder fans have clamored for Lu Dort to make an all-defense team.
Dating back to his rookie season in the bubble, Dort has terrorized opposing stars and been named by Damian Lillard and James Harden as one of the best defensive players in the league.
Finally, in addition to finishing in the top five in NBA Defensive Player of the Year voting, Dort was named to the NBA First Team All-Defense, joining Draymond Green, Evan Mobley, Dyson Daniels, and Amen Thompson in receiving the honor.
Dort was a key cog in OKC’s NBA-best defense. His physical defense on the perimeter has been an annoyance to opposing players for years, and now he’s been recognized for his efforts.
Joining Dort in making an all-defense team was Jalen Williams, who was named to the second team after a career-best year on both sides of the ball, which led to Williams being named an all-star and being considered for an All-NBA team.
Williams was joined by Toumani Camara, Ivica Zubac, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Rudy Gobert on the second team.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace also received votes, and Alex Caruso and Chet Holmgren likely would’ve had they not missed significant time with injuries.
Dort and Williams’ receiving the honor is a testament to their individual brilliance. According to the voting, they are the two best defensive players on one of the best defensive teams in recent NBA history.
OKC’s all-defensive duo returns to action tonight in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves as it looks to take a commanding 2-0 series lead and get one step closer to the NBA Finals.
