Who are the most afraid of on the Thunder’s road to winning the championship? Dortmund admitted that the Nuggets made the whole team tremble!

From the undraft to the championship, Lu Dortte's counterattack path is one of the most inspiring stories in the NBA. The Thunder veteran spoke for the first time after the team won the historic championship, admitting that there was a team that made them "shiver" throughout the playoffs.

Nuggets became the biggest nightmare in the Thunder's heart

In an interview with ESPN's "NBA Today", Dortmund admitted without any concealment: "The Denver Nuggets are the only team that makes us tremble a little. They have won the championship before, experienced this scene, and their response was excellent. "

These words reveal how the Thunder really felt when they faced the defending champion Nuggets in the Western Conference semi-finals. That round of tiebreak battle was thrilling. The two teams had equal strength, but their experience was very different. The Nuggets have a finals MVP like Jokic and a key man like Murray. Although the Thunder are talented, they are obviously lacking in their experience in the playoffs.

Dotter's candor is impressive. As a defensive player, he rarely expresses his inner tension in public. But facing a strong enemy like the Nuggets, even Dortmund, who is known for his toughness, has to admit that the existence of pressure. This honesty makes people admire the growth trajectory of this young team even more.

A shocking moment in the finals: The Pacers almost reversed

If the Nuggets scared the Thunder, then the big reversal against the Pacers in the fourth game of the finals allowed them to experience what "the line of life and death" is.

"We were a little nervous, and I must be honest," Dortmund still felt scared when he recalled that game," but we knew we could do it, we had to be united, and we finally completed the reversal in that game. "

It was a night that was enough to be recorded in the history of the Thunder. Facing the double-digit lead established by the Pacers in the second half, the Thunder was in a desperate situation. If they lose that game, they will face a 1-3 despair, and history tells us that it is almost impossible to turn the tables from such disadvantages.

At the critical moment, MVP Gilgers-Alexander stood up. He scored 15 points in the last 4 minutes and 38 seconds of the game, including 11 points in the last 2 minutes and 58 seconds, dragging the game into overtime and winning the final victory. Such performance deserves the title of MVP and also allows Thunder to avoid falling into the abyss.

The inspirational legend from undraft to championships

Dotter's story itself is an inspirational blockbuster. His name was not called by any team at the 2019 NBA Draft. That week was described by him as "the worst week in life".

"Recalling my first year, it's crazy. I lost the election six years ago, June 19, 2019 was draft day, and that week was probably the worst week of my life," Dortmund recalled, "Look at it now, June 22, 2025, it's crazy. I still think about that time, I have to believe in the process. This organization gave me a great opportunity, and I'm grateful and happy to be here. "

From the G League player of the Oklahoma City Blues to the current NBA championship, Dortmund has completed a gorgeous transformation in six years. His success is not only a personal victory, but also an encouragement to all young people who have their dreams of basketball but have faced setbacks.

"This is possible, you must believe," Dortmund said to players in similar situations. "If you asked me 10-15 years ago, if I knew I would be where I am today, it would be absolutely impossible. There is no chance. I just have to believe and work hard to improve my game and truly believe in my own process. "

The Road to Rise of the Thunder Dynasty

Dotter's success story reflects the team-building philosophy of the Thunder team. General Manager Sam Presti has always been known for his keen eyes. He not only can find uncensored jade in the draft, but also is good at providing opportunities for players who are ignored by other teams.

The Thunder won the championship this time is no accident. From the regrets of the Three Thunders era, to the dormant period of the reconstruction period, to the return of the king today, this team has experienced too many ups and downs. With the growth of Gilgers-Alexander, the emergence of Chet Homgren, the full outbreak of Jaren Williams, and the pressure of veterans like Dortmund, the Thunder finally ushered in their own era.

This championship has special significance for small market teams. In the NBA where teams are rich and superstars are grouped together, small cities like Oklahoma City can win the championship, which proves the importance of correct team building philosophy and team culture.

Dote's words reveal not only memories of the hardships of the past, but also a longing for the future. The average age of this young Thunder team is less than 25 years old, and their peak period has just begun. From Dortmund's inspirational story to the team's collective success, Thunder interprets what "believes the process" with practical actions.

In this variable alliance, Thunder's success reminds us that talent is important, but persistence, belief and the right direction are equally indispensable. Dortmund's transformation from undraft to championship is not only a personal victory, but also the light of hope for all dreamers.