Lu Dort addressed the Oklahoma City Thunder’s response to their Game 1 defeat in the Western Conference Finals, emphasizing adjustments, physical defense, and belief in the group ahead of Game 2 against the San Antonio Spurs.
Speaking after practice on Tuesday, Dort described the opening game as a difficult challenge against a well-rounded opponent that forced immediate reflection.
He said, “Obviously really good team. You know tough battle last night came out short but you know they do a lot of stuff really well and then you know listen today we had to regroup and see some of the stuff that we had get better at. But we all know that it’s going to be a tough series and we all ready and prepared for that but you know we just got to come together today, regroup and see what we can do better for tomorrow’s game.”
The Thunder were outlasted 122-115 in double overtime in Game 1, a contest that featured multiple momentum swings and a late push from San Antonio. Despite the loss, Dort stressed that the series requires quick mental reset and continuity in approach.
Physicality on the perimeter remains a central theme in the matchup, especially against Spurs guards who consistently attack downhill. Dort highlighted the importance of discipline while defending dribble penetration, saying, “It’s big. I mean, they got pretty good players. Pretty good drivers as well. So, they’re going to get there. We just got to be smart and not fouling, you know, going out sending them to free throw line, but obviously we’re a good defensive team as well. So, we can contain that. It’s just, you know, we got to do it without fouling.”
The defensive guard also pointed to the team’s internal belief in its ability to respond after a slow start offensively in Game 1. Oklahoma City generated open looks but struggled to convert early. Dort noted, “Yeah, I would say we got some pretty open looks. Especially early in the game just didn’t convert them. Obviously having a lot of days off before doesn’t help, but you know, at the same time, you know, just some looks that we usually makes that we didn’t and it’s going to happen.”
He added that the group’s identity is built around persistence through shooting variance and late-game adjustments, saying, “we just got to stay in the game. Like I said, we’re never going to be perfect. We just got to stay in there and felt like we picked it back up in the second half for sure.”
Dort also addressed teammate Chet Holmgren’s performance. He emphasized confidence in the roster’s response, stating, “Yeah. Like you said, he’s a competitor. He works really hard and it’s human. You know, not everybody’s going to have their best game every time. We know what he’s capable of. We know what he can do on the court. So, you know, we all expect Chet to have better games going forward.”
He continued, “it’s not just him. A lot of guys didn’t have their best game as well. So, but you know, we all know Chet, we know he’s going to bounce back.”
San Antonio’s frontcourt presence, led by Victor Wembanyama’s rim protection and scoring versatility, remains a major focal point. Dort acknowledged the difficulty of attacking such a defensive structure, saying, “I mean, obviously it’s like you said, tall guy. He’s in there taking a lot of space. So, you know, it’s tough, but you know, there’s ways to do it. You know, we just got to play fast, play together, and always trying to find the best shot.”
As the series shifts to Game 2, Dort reinforced the Thunder’s experience in navigating postseason adversity, pointing to lessons from last year’s title run. He said, “Yeah. It’s a long series. You know, we not going to be perfect. Obviously we’ve been in this situation before. You know, we’re able to turn the page and face the next game with a 0-0 mentality and just go out there and try to win the game.”
With Oklahoma City trailing 0-1, Dort’s message centered on composure, defense without fouling, and execution on cleaner offensive possessions. Game 2 now becomes an early test of adjustment against a Spurs team that has already stolen home-court advantage.