A tense moment unfolded on January 27 at the Paycom Center as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Lu Dort and New Orleans Pelicans rookie Jeremiah Fears clashed at the end of their game. The Thunder secured a 104-95 victory, but emotions boiled over in the final seconds when the two players confronted each other, requiring intervention from teammates, coaches, and officials to separate them.
Details of the Confrontation After Game Ended
With just over two seconds left in the fourth quarter, Jeremiah Fears grabbed an offensive rebound and attempted a shot before time expired. Lu Dort contested it and immediately shoved Fears after the buzzer. This triggered a heated exchange, during which both players pulled on each other’s jerseys while exchanging aggressive remarks. Efforts by players and referees were necessary to keep the situation from escalating further.
Video analysis from Tippernaught Sports shed light on some of the dialogue between the two:
“Don’t push,” Dort said after pushing Fears. “I would knock (you).”
Following this, Dort warned again while being grabbed by Fears:
“Don’t hold me,” the Thunder guard said. “I will punch you.”
Despite attempts to cool things down, Dort continued to taunt Fears by calling him “Unstable” while gesturing after the incident. Fears remained visibly upset, and was eventually led away to the locker room by his teammates while still expressing anger.
Responses From Players and Coaches Regarding the Dispute
Jeremiah Fears later commented on social media with a playful jab, writing in response to the altercation,
“🤣🤣🤣 soft ah,”
Meanwhile, Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander offered a measured perspective during his postgame remarks:
“I wasn’t too sure what happened,” SGA said. “I had heard them going back and forth after I made the last two free throws, but I wasn’t sure what happened. And then I turn around and they were face to face. I’m sure it was nothing crazy though. Typical basketball scuffle.”
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault expressed concern about the officials’ handling of the game, suggesting they lost control during the late stages of play.
NBA Issues Fines Following the On-Court Incident
The league announced disciplinary actions on Thursday, imposing fines of $25,000 each on Lu Dort and Jeremiah Fears for their roles in initiating the fight during the game. Fortunately, no suspensions were handed down, which allowed both players to remain active in upcoming matches.
“At the conclusion of the Thunder’s 104-95 victory over the Pelicans on Jan. 27 at Paycom Center, Dort wrapped up Fears after Fears secured a rebound. After time expired, Dort shoved Fears in the chest, and both players subsequently grabbed each other’s jerseys in an aggressive manner,” the NBA statement detailed.
This game marked the last meeting between the Thunder and Pelicans for the current season. Their next encounter will likely be next year unless both teams meet again during the postseason, possibly in a series that could extend to seven games.
Implications for Future Encounters and Player Relations
The altercation highlights the growing tension between Oklahoma City Thunder’s Lu Dort and the New Orleans Pelicans’ Jeremiah Fears, two young players whose rivalry could intensify in upcoming seasons. How the teams and individuals manage these emotions could shape future competitive dynamics in the NBA.
Given the league’s decision to fine but not suspend the players, it signals a warning but leaves room for both talents to continue developing on the court with discipline. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if further confrontations occur or if the players learn to keep competition within the bounds of sportsmanship.
Jeremiah Fears comment on IG. https://t.co/rDZOKuBMY9 pic.twitter.com/d4nBkTrjfd
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 28, 2026
Asked Shai about the altercation after the game between Lu Dort and Jeremiah Fears.
“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.” pic.twitter.com/euhdA5HOWY
— Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) January 28, 2026
Mark Daigneault on the pull-apart between Lu Dort and Jeremiah Fears after the game between the Thunder and Pelicans
“I thought they lost control of the game in the final minutes. I thought that whole altercation at the end started way before that with the Bey/JWill situation.” pic.twitter.com/M006Vmo9yg
— Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) January 28, 2026
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/bjjPzzTzk6
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 29, 2026
