Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives to the basket past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5). Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Watch: Luguentz Dort elbows Tyrese Haliburton in Game 3 of NBA Finals

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Darryn Albert | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 10:13 PM ET

Lu Dort pulled a Lu Dort during Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday.

The Oklahoma City Thunder swingman, Dort, got away with an elbow to the head area of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. During the first quarter of the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, Dort passed out of a three-point attempt and swung his arm backward, catching Haliburton with his left elbow.

No foul was called, though, as referee James Capers (who was in the immediate vicinity) did not blow his whistle. The Thunder went on to miss a shot at the rim, igniting a Pacers fast break. Here is the video of the play.

Lu Dort elbowed Tyrese Haliburton in the face pic.twitter.com/nVmmpvm2ZF
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 12, 2025

Haliburton remained down for a few moments as play continued. But he was eventually able to get up to his feet and ultimately looked to be OK.

An All-Defensive First Team selection this season, Dort is known as one of the fiercest perimeter stoppers in the league (and also made a strong contribution offensively with three triples during the first quarter of Game 3). But Dort is also a very unpopular figure among opposing fan bases due to his history of seemingly dirty plays.

Dort, who is often tasked with defending rival superstars, has become fairly notorious for his overly physical and extracurricular style of play. In fact, during a Thunder game earlier this season, Dort ended up getting ejected for a hit on a stationary opponent.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: