Luguentz Dort

To survive the one-on-one stage against James Harden — No. 1 in isolation frequency in seven of the NBA’s last eight seasons — a defender likely needs to be a “one-of-one,” in terms of his activity, intensity, and energy. Among the few willing to check said boxes year-after-year, Luguentz Dort keeps tabs on Harden’s counter-heavy dribble, keeping attached enough to force a tie-up and tipoff with the Oklahoma City Thunder clinging to a four-point, final-minute lead. Effectively sealing victory in both the high-profile head-to-head and on the scoreboards, Dort earns the opportunity to celebrate, as it leads to a runout and ferocious, game-sealing jam on the opposite end. Plays of that caliber were much-needed, as the Thunder survived the L.A. Clippers’ fierce comeback attempt from 20 points down. Among the key contributors in Oklahoma City’s undersized-yet-overpowered starting five, the three-and-D specialist deposited 19 points (on 7-of-14 shooting), alongside two rebounds, two steals, four 3-pointers, and four deflections on November 11, 2024.

Championship Year