The Birth of the 'Dorture Chamber'

In the second half of Game 7 of the 2020 NBA playoffs, the basketball world witnessed the emergence of one of the league's most dominant defenders. Lu Dort, then an unknown rookie for the Oklahoma City Thunder, was tasked with guarding James Harden, the NBA's leading scorer. What followed was a defensive masterclass that would forever change Dort's career.

A Defensive Masterclass

With 2:55 remaining in the third quarter, Houston Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni called for three consecutive screens to free Harden from Dort's relentless pressure. Despite the strategic maneuvering, Dort powered through all three screens, leaving Harden exasperated and forced to settle for a contested long-range shot that missed.

"They set three screens for him," NBA analyst Mark Jackson remarked, "but Dort was able to follow through all three of them and get back into the picture."

The Impact on Harden

By the end of the game, Harden was visibly exhausted, shooting just 4 of 15 from the field and 1 of 9 from beyond the arc. His 17 points were half his season average, a testament to Dort's defensive prowess.

"I can see when someone is getting uncomfortable," Dort explained. "They'll start calling for screens and they want the screener to take my head off. That's the point where I'm like, 'Oh yeah, I got it. He don't like me.'"

The 'Dorture Chamber' Legacy

That game marked the beginning of what would soon be known as the 'Dorture Chamber,' a term coined to describe Dort's ability to make life miserable for opposing stars. Since then, Dort has continued to excel, earning his first All-Defensive Team nod in 2025 and consistently ranking among the NBA's top defenders.

A Villain on the Court, a Teddy Bear Off It

Despite his intimidating presence on the court, Dort insists he's not a villain. "I'm always on the best players, so I am trying to make the job tough for them," he said. "But other than that, I'm a chill, cool guy."

Teammate Aaron Wiggins echoed this sentiment, describing Dort as "a gnat just constantly poking at you. You can't get rid of it unless you really kill it. But you can't kill him. No. He's going to keep chasing you."

From Rookie to Defensive Stalwart

Dort's journey to NBA stardom was anything but conventional. After going undrafted in 2019, he signed a two-way contract with the Thunder, determined to prove his worth. His relentless work ethic and defensive tenacity quickly earned him a spot in the rotation, and he has since become a cornerstone of Oklahoma City's defense.

"This isn't the end of your story," Thunder GM Sam Presti told Dort upon his arrival. "It's the beginning."

Conclusion

Lu Dort's 'Dorture Chamber' is more than just a nickname; it's a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence on the defensive end. Whether he's guarding James Harden or Julius Randle, Dort's ability to disrupt and frustrate opposing stars has solidified his place as one of the NBA's premier defenders.