Isaiah Hartenstein's Key Role in OKC Thunder's Offensive Surge After Kings Win
Isaiah Hartenstein has quickly proven himself to be a pivotal asset for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Since signing a three-year, $87 million contract this offseason, the 26-year-old center has had a noticeable impact on both ends of the court, especially on the offensive side. After a delayed start to the season due to a hand injury, Hartenstein has stepped into the lineup and showcased his skillset in ways the Thunder could not have anticipated.
In a standout performance against the Sacramento Kings, Hartenstein recorded a double-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, highlighting his growing influence on the team. However, what really stood out in that game was his offensive efficiency. Hartenstein set a career-high with 15 field goal attempts, a testament to how much confidence head coach Mark Daigneault has in him. His ability to execute in the Thunder’s fast-paced, drive-and-kick system has been a game-changer. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams drawing defenders to the paint, Hartenstein is often the recipient of clean looks, capitalizing on the defense's focus on OKC's stars.
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But Hartenstein's impact goes far beyond just scoring. He’s been a force as a screen setter, an area where the Thunder have been lacking for years. His screening ability has been praised by Daigneault, who called him the best screen setter he has ever coached. This skill alone has unlocked opportunities for OKC’s playmakers, opening up lanes for drives and creating better offensive flow.
Hartenstein's presence has also had a direct effect on the Thunder’s interior scoring, an area the team struggled with before his arrival. In their recent 130-109 win over Sacramento, the Thunder scored 56 points in the paint, with Hartenstein contributing 16 points and an impressive 66.6% shooting efficiency. More importantly, his screens directly led to 14 additional points from teammates. This has been a noticeable improvement for OKC, as they have seen their paint scoring soar since Hartenstein’s debut. In the two games since his return, the Thunder’s average points in the paint has jumped to 56 per game, placing them among the top teams in the league in this category.
It’s clear that Hartenstein’s skill set meshes perfectly with the Thunder's system, and his ability to create opportunities for both himself and his teammates is something that the team desperately needed. His offensive contributions, combined with his defensive presence, have filled a gap in the roster and made a significant impact on the Thunder’s performance. Jalen Williams, one of the team’s rising stars, praised Hartenstein's role, noting how much he’s enjoyed the new dynamic he brings to the team.
With Hartenstein now fully integrated into the rotation, OKC is looking like a much more well-rounded team. As the Thunder continue to fine-tune their offensive flow and adjust to the presence of their new big man, expect Isaiah Hartenstein to remain at the center of their success.
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