Isaiah Hartenstein Articles - Page 2

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti announced Nikola Topic’s testicular cancer diagnosis at shootaround before the team’s game against the Washington Wizards, and after a 127-108 win, Isaiah Hartenstein addressed Topic’s health. Hartenstein talked about the kind of teammate Topic has been throughout his time with the Thunder, explaining how Presti brings […]

Amid the Oklahoma City Thunder’s laundry list of injuries to its roster, including All-Star Jalen Williams and reserve guard Isaiah Joe, no one’s stepped up more than sophomore guard Ajay Mitchell, which didn’t go unnoticed by veteran Isaiah Hartenstein. Williams and Joe have yet to make their regular-season debut. Before Tuesday’s game against the Sacramento […]

Four games into the 2025-26 regular season, Isaiah Hartenstein knows that Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren’s production is a big reason the defending champion’s undefeated thus far. Ahead of Holmgren’s first night off due to back soreness amid the campaign’s first back-to-back, Hartenstein identified the specific growth he’s seen in Chet. Hartenstein revealed he […]

The Oklahoma City Thunder lead ClutchPoints’ NBA Top 100 Rankings as the team with the most players ranked in this year’s list. Six Thunder players are included in the list of the NBA’s best 100 players, including Mark Daigneault’s entire starting lineup led by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and All-Star Jalen Williams. While Gilgeous-Alexander unsurprisingly […]

Charles Barkley has nothing but positive things to say about the OKC Thunder. On Wednesday, he took it another step further by saying the NBA champions are much like the “Bad Boy” Pistons, per the Bill Simmons Podcast. “They’re one of the deepest teams we’ve ever had in the NBA,” Barkley said. “They remind me […]

Nikola Jokic is arguably the best big man in the NBA, especially after Jokic won three NBA MVPs. He’s also a major reason as to why the Denver Nuggets are a legitimate threat in the league. Jokic dominates not with his athletic gifts. But instead, the Serbian star leans on his high IQ and ability […]

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein reflected on his first season with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s Most Valuable Player, scoring title champion, and NBA Finals MVP. In a recent interview with Philadelphia 76ers’ Paul George, Hartenstein reflected on winning two seven-game series en route to his and the franchise’s first championship, as well as what […]

After Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein addressed ESPN’s Stephen A Smith for dissing him while he was with the New York Knicks, the veteran center reflected on his postseason journey to becoming an NBA champion. From one grueling seven-game series against the Denver Nuggets to a do-or-die Game 7 in the NBA Finals against […]

After becoming an NBA champion, Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein kept his receipts for those who didn’t always believe, including ESPN analyst Stephen A Smith. Smith has been ridiculed for his hometown takes on the New York Knicks, which led to a stray when he questioned the starting center’s promotion in New York. It […]

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein has indeed come a long way in his basketball career. After playing in his home country of Germany and Lithuania, Hartenstein took a gamble and applied for the NBA Draft in 2017. He was selected by the Houston Rockets as the 43rd overall pick. He, however, didn’t make it […]

Isaiah Hartenstein has always been proud of his roots. Now, he is about to make history by taking the NBA’s most prized possession across the Atlantic. Fresh off helping the Oklahoma City Thunder capture their first championship since the franchise’s Seattle days, Hartenstein announced he will bring the Larry O’Brien Trophy on its first-ever trip […]

Journeyman Isaiah Hartenstein signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder the summer before its most unprecedented campaign in franchise history and is now receiving praise from All-Stars such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Add Hall of Fame guard Steve Nash to the conversation as the three discussed how Hartenstein was a key catalyst on the […]

Recently, the Oklahoma City Thunder hoisted the first NBA championship trophy in franchise history thanks to a Game 7 win over the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals. It was a resounding vindication that had been defying the odds all year. One of the main sources of doubt regarding this Thunder team was their youth–in […]

With the championship-winning Oklahoma City Thunder enjoying the offseason, it’s crucial to look at the aspects that have led the team to a title, including one key acquisition being big man Isaiah Hartenstein. As the Thunder lock in their players on new contracts, with possibly Hartenstein shortly, the center also speaks on originally coming to […]

The Oklahoma City Thunder just won the NBA Finals. The team has the deepest roster in the NBA, but the rich could get richer this offseason. LeBron James might be a trade candidate this offseason, and the Thunder will have the firepower to outbid every other team in the league for his services if they […]

OKLAHOMA CITY — Before Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein inked a three-year, $87 million deal, Thunder GM Sam Presti and the front office traveled to recruit the veteran free agent. For the first time in his career, Hartenstein’s adversity-filled journey had options last summer. The New York Knicks were eager to re-sign Isaiah, who […]

On Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrated their recent NBA Finals victory over the Indiana Pacers with a parade through the city. It’s been a long time coming for fans of the Thunder, who suffered through years of playoff heartbreak during the Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook era but have finally seen their team break […]

The Oklahoma City Thunder are now NBA champions after defeating the Indiana Pacers in Game 7. It was a long series, but the Thunder were able to take care of business in a win-or-go-home situation, and it was a total team effort. All season, everyone has expected this team to be here holding up the […]

OKLAHOMA CITY — Amidst an NBA career with very few promises for a journeyman, Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein inked a three-year, $87 million contract to join the Thunder last summer. His unique background is similar to that of teammates Alex Caruso and Lu Dort, whose paths to the NBA began in the G […]

The Indiana Pacers led by double digits and were always in control during Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. But even so, things got a little chippy in the third quarter. Pacers backup big man Tony Bradley picked up a technical foul after a minor scuffle with Thunder big man […]

INDIANAPOLIS — While Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein knows the Indiana Pacers will be fighting to keep their season alive in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, he can almost taste the champagne and smell the cigar smoke. The champagne bottles will be on ice, accompanied by boxes of cigars at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, awaiting […]

INDIANAPOLIS — Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein, like many of his teammates, comes from humble beginnings. The 43rd overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft navigated through various stints in the G League before latching, and unlatching, onto NBA rosters. Now, heading into Game 6 with a 3-2 lead against the Indiana Pacers in […]

With their backs against the wall, the Oklahoma City Thunder stormed into Game 4 and secured a hard-fought 111–104 win over the Indiana Pacers that tied the 2025 NBA Finals at two games apiece. In a series defined by razor-thin margins and shifting momentum, the Thunder once again rose to the moment. Adding to the […]

The Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t in full must-win mode just yet, but they are in desperate need of a win in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers stole Game 1 in Oklahoma City before taking Game 3 at home to take a 2-1 lead in the series. For Mark […]

INDIANAPOLIS — Isaiah Hartenstein and the Oklahoma City Thunder got their first taste of NBA Finals basketball on the road in Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers. After losing 1116-107 in a game where the Thunder coughed up a whopping 17 turnovers, coach Mark Daigneault discussed his team’s emotions before Game 4, which Hartenstein isn’t […]

INDIANAPOLIS — After Game 3’s 116-107 loss to the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Isaiah Hartenstein is confident his team will bounce back in Game 4 on Friday. Trailing 2-1 to the Pacers in the NBA Finals, head coach Mark Daigneault admitted where the Thunder went wrong in Wednesday’s nine-point loss. On the verge of […]

OKLAHOMA CITY — In a game where the Indiana Pacers overcame a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Tyrese Haliburton drained the biggest shot of the night. Reminiscent of Aaron Gordon’s game-winner in the Denver Nuggets’ 121-119 victory in Game 1 […]

OKLAHOMA CITY — When Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein inked a three-year, $87 million contract, he knew he had an opportunity to compete for a championship in 2024-25. It factored into his decision-making process as a free agent. Hartenstein knew adding him to a talented Thunder defense, featuring All-Star forward Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, […]

Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals is going down on Monday night in Minneapolis, and it is shaping up to be an exciting finish. The Oklahoma City Thunder were dominant during the first two games of the series at home, but the Minnesota Timberwolves responded with a surprising blowout win in Game 3 to […]

OKLAHOMA CITY — In a game where Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace finished with seven assists off the bench, his teammate, Isaiah Hartenstein, saw flashes of Hall of Fame guard Magic Johnson in Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. After Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s seven free throws in five minutes of the opening frame, Wallace settled […]

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets series has witnessed momentum shifts and highlight-reel moments. Isaiah Hartenstein used his two hands to deliver the latest NBA Playoffs moment. Right in front of Nikola Jokic. The 27-year-old came out of nowhere and right behind the multiple NBA Most Valuable Player winner. Aaron Wiggins attacked the inside […]

DENVER — After Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander closed out the Denver Nuggets in Game 4, Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein reflected on his history with Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic. Hartenstein played 30 games in his lone season in Denver — a short but productive stint for the then 22-year-old center who was Jokic’s understudy. […]

Oklahoma City Thunder bigs Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein combined for six steals and four blocks in Saturday’s 117-115 series-clinching win against the Memphis Grizzlies. The tandem played a significant role in forcing 21 turnovers as the Thunder narrowly defeated the Grizzlies in Game 4 to complete a 4-0 sweep and advance to the Western […]

MEMPHIS — Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has watched his starting center, Isaiah Hartenstein, adapt seamlessly to his team and its players. Before Game 4, Daigneault revealed the importance of being down 29 points on Thursday from a strengthening standpoint as a team. As for Hartenstein, from growing as a constant two-way threat […]

The NBA award finalists were recently announced, and the Defensive Player of the Year finalists had some people confused, more specifically, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Lu Dort has been one of the best defenders in the league all season, but he did not make the final list for the award. Isaiah Hartenstein recently spoke about […]

The Denver Nuggets just fired head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, and now fans across the NBA are wondering if Nikola Jokic could be traded. For Denver, a Jokic trade doesn’t make a lot of sense. The best player in the NBA is in the running to win his fourth MVP this […]

The Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Chicago Bulls on Monday at Paycom Center. Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein are questionable on the team’s injury report. Holmgren is listed with left hip injury management, while Hartenstein has left hip soreness. Here’s everything we know about both players’ injuries and playing statuses vs. the Bulls. *Watch […]

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault watched starting center Isaiah Hartenstein make franchise history in Thursday’s 125-104 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies. On the same special night, the Thunder’s 61st win set a new franchise record, and Hartenstein set the franchise record for most assists by a center in a single […]

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren wasn’t surprised to learn that the team’s GM Sam Presti and free agent Isaiah Hartenstein reached a deal during the offseason. Hartenstein signed a three-year, $87 million contract with the Thunder over the summer, giving head coach Mark Daigneault an additional big to his starting lineup. Holmgren revealed Thunder […]