The race for the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year is wide open, but Oklahoma City Thunder guard Lu Dort is making a strong case. His impact on the defensive end has caught the attention of teammates and fans alike—most notably, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who recently endorsed Dort’s candidacy on social media.

Gilgeous-Alexander shared an Instagram story highlighting the “Lu Dort effect,” showcasing the stark difference in scoring averages of NBA stars when facing Oklahoma City’s elite defense. The numbers speak for themselves:

– **Luka Dončić**: 27.8 PPG (season average) → **16 PPG vs. OKC**
– **Cade Cunningham**: 25.7 PPG → **11 PPG vs. OKC**
– **Devin Booker**: 25.3 PPG → **15.5 PPG vs. OKC**
– **LeBron James**: 24.5 PPG → **12 PPG vs. OKC**
– **Donovan Mitchell**: 24 PPG → **9.5 PPG vs. OKC**

The Thunder boast the NBA’s top defensive rating this season and have allowed the fewest 30-point scorers in the league, with only nine such performances recorded against them.

Dort’s relentless perimeter defense has been a key factor in Oklahoma City’s success, making him a legitimate contender for Defensive Player of the Year. With his ability to shut down elite scorers and the backing of teammates like Gilgeous-Alexander, Dort’s case for the award continues to grow stronger.