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Lu Dort calls 2025 NBA championship a full circle moment with Thunder

Lu Dort calls 2025 NBA championship a full circle moment with Thunder

USA Today23-06-2025
Late in the shot clock, Lu Dort's last-season 3-point heave had everybody's nerves jump up. The Oklahoma City Thunder couldn't muster up any quality offense again. Too many times, a possession ended with a turnover or a self-isolated attempt that seldom went in.
But of course, Dort swished in the most unlikely 3-pointer ever. Because duh, that's what he does. The 26-year-old has never lacked confidence in his shot. As the ball rainbowed into the basket, the entire OKC crowd shook the arena's grounds.
Dort finished with nine points on 3-of-10 shooting, seven rebounds and three steals. He shot 2-of-9 from 3 and 1-of-2 on free throws.
The Thunder celebrated a 103-91 Game 7 win over the Indiana Pacers to clinch their first NBA championship. One of the longest-tenured players on the roster, Dort has seen it all from a rebuild squad to a quick ascension as the team to beat.
Going from undrafted to an All-Defensive Team member, Dort has seen his improbable NBA journey prosper in OKC. This was the arc's peak with a championship. He was hot from the outside in the NBA Finals with a 45% clip. Sprinkle in his superb one-on-one defense, and he cemented his spot in OKC lore as a playoff riser.
"No, it's crazy. I mean, looking back to my first year, I went undrafted. Six years ago now, June 19 was the draft. That week was probably the worst week of my life. You look now, June 22, 2025, I'm a champion now," Dort said. "It's crazy how you circle back. I had to trust the process. How this organization gave me a great opportunity, I'm grateful and happy to be here."
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