Security Escorts ‘Fuming’ Pelicans Rookie Jeremiah Fears After Intense Brawl With OKC Strongman Lu Dort

Lu Dort and Jeremiah Fears get into postgame altercation after Thunder win over the Pelicans.

Security Escorts ‘Fuming’ Pelicans Rookie Jeremiah Fears After Intense Brawl With OKC Strongman Lu Dort

Lu Dort and Jeremiah Fears (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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The defending and reigning champions Oklahoma City Thunder took on the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night in a match where Lu Dort and Jeremiah Fears were in involved in a heated brawl. The Thunder were in a bit of a blip heading into the clash. After back-to-back losses, the Thunder returned to winning ways after a 104-95 victory over a struggling Pelicans at the Paycom Center.

The win prevented a three-match losing streak for the Thunder for the first time this season. The Thunder improved their record to 38-10 and to 21 wins at home, as they sit at the top of the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Pelicans struggle to find wins and find themselves at the bottom of the standings with a 12-37 record.

It was a smooth sailing for the Thunder after an even first half. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued with his elite scoring and scored a game-high 29 points to go along with six rebounds and four assists. While Chet Holmgren recorded a double double with 20 points and 14 rebounds.

But the real drama took place at the end of the game. With just 0.2 seconds remaining and the Thunder clinching the win, Pelicans rookie Fears attempted a late layup. Lu Dort aggressively contested the shot, appearing to foul Fears in the process. After the buzzer, the two players engaged in a shoving match as players and staff members from both teams entered the court.

However, the heated exchange did not end there. Fears who was left fuming after the game had to be restrained by two Pelicans staffers from trying to re-engage with Dort. 

Dort is one of the best wing defenders in the league, but has often been accused of getting away with more contact than the average defender. In a recent game with the Milwaukee Bucks, Dort clobbered Giannis Antetokounmpo from behind in what was a nasty foul.

Fans react to Jeremiah Fears’ intense brawl with Lu Dort

The heated brawl between the two players was quick to go viral across social media and the fans did not waste any time in expressing their opinions on the internet.

Fortunately, Fears was held back, and it did not escalate any further, which could have led to some consequences for both players.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the brawl

SGA is coming off a historic season and has shown no signs of slowing down this season. The Canadian international is the current favorite to win league MVP. He is second in the league in scoring behind Luka Doncic and is currently averaging 32 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists.

Following the win, SGA was asked about the heated brawl between his teammate and Fears in his post-match press conference.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort (Image credits – The New York Times)

I had heard them going back and forth after I made the last 2 free throws. And then I turn around and they were face to face. I’m sure it was nothing crazy though. Typical basketball scuffle.

It was the third and final meeting between the two sides in this campaign as the Thunder swept the regular-season series at 3-0. It is highly unlikely the two sides will meet in the postseason with the Pelicans at the bottom of the standings.

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