Lu Dort's Perimeter Shooting Elevation Persists, Propelling Thunder to New Heights
Lu Dort's journey with the Oklahoma City Thunder is a tale of perseverance and growth, transforming from an undrafted player to a valuable cornerstone and bonafide starter on a contending squad. His defensive prowess has always been commendable, but his metamorphosis into a formidable shooter has been the cherry on top of his success story.
While Dort struggled to find his footing as a 3-point shooter in his rookie year, shooting below 30%, he displayed steady improvement in the following seasons, albeit with high volume attempts. He was still figuring out his shooting rhythm and the ideal spots on the court to excel.
Dort's career took a significant leap during the 2023-24 campaign, showcasing a remarkable 39.4% 3-point shooting percentage. He honed his shot selection, thereby reducing attempts but enhancing efficiency. The current season has seen him take yet another stride, leveraging his refined jumper and improved shot selection.
To date in this season, Dort has converted an impressive 42.7% of his 3-point attempts, with an even more stunning 54.2% in his last ten games. His recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular, scoring 14 triples in his last two games alone.
Dort's development as a shooter isn't solely due to his refined jumper but also his attention to detail and ability to carve out a niche in the Thunder's offensive strategy. He no longer forces ill-advised shots, instead allowing opportunities to come his way. This season, Dort has yet to take double-digit 3-point attempts in a single game.
Despite this restraint, Dort has shown remarkable scoring potential from beyond the arc, notching three or more three-pointers in nearly half of the games he's played this season. His accuracy from the corners is remarkable at 50%, with 87.2% of his threes this season being assisted.
His shooting accuracy also improves as the game progresses, with his percentages from three steadily climbing in each successive quarter. By quarter four, Dort's averages reach a staggering 51.3%.
Dort's current form couldn't have come at a better time, as the Thunder recently navigated their most challenging stretch of the season. It's unrealistic to expect him to maintain his current 50% 3-point shooting streak, but his prowess in the playoffs could prove pivotal, given the potential impact of a streak spanning over multiple series.
With his defensive dominance already established, Dort's improved 3-point shooting cements him as one of the elite 3-and-D players in the league.
Lu Dort's impressive 3-point shooting stats this season have earned him recognition among the best 3-point shooters in the league. His current 42.7% shooting percentage is a testament to his improved shot selection and accuracy. The OKC Thunder's news section has been filled with praise for Dort's recent performances, including his 14 triples in the last two games. The Thunder roster benefits significantly from Dort's growth, with his consistent contributions both on defense and offense. His journey from undrafted player to a valuable starter on the OKC Thunder is a remarkable transformation, often highlighted in Thunder basketball news and statistics.
