Thunder's Luguentz Dort Says Sorry to Nuggets Star Jokic

Merlin sees Oklahoma City wing Luguentz Dort apologizing to Nikola Jokić after inadvertently hitting him in the face and drawing a flagrant 1 late in Monday’s 129-126 Thunder win. Dort told reporters he "didn't mean to hit him in the face" and felt the call was harsh, saying he was "just lost in the competition" and that he shook Jokić’s hand after the game. Merlin notes this is another spark in a heated rivalry that already included Dort’s ejection for tripping Jokić on February 27 and Nuggets coach David Adelman grumbling "it's every time we play them." With the teams meeting again April 10 and the playoffs near, the balance between tough defense and costly contact will shape how this matchup finishes.