NBA Finals Highlight: Jalen Hartenstein’s Impact
In the lead-up to Game 1 of the NBA Finals, an intriguing sight unfolded at the Oklahoma City Thunder’s practice venue. A cluster of reporters surrounded Jalen Williams, while nearby, Isaiah Hartenstein, a seventh-year center, engaged in the final stages of his practice routine. He was the last player remaining on the court, focused intently on refining his decision-making skills alongside two player development coaches, one utilizing a foam pad to enhance resistance and challenge his movements. Hartenstein’s responsibilities—ranging from executing screens correctly to distributing passes and maintaining activity near the basket—demand a sharp, agile mindset.
Hartenstein’s Journey and Performance
Hartenstein’s journey in the league exemplifies resilience. From facing challenges to secure a spot on the Houston Rockets roster to establishing himself as a crucial component in the New York Knicks’ lineup, he now finds himself starting for a dominant 68-win Thunder team poised for championship glory. In the recent Game 5, where the Thunder achieved their second consecutive Finals triumph with Hartenstein reinstated as a starter, his astute decision-making, particularly during the game’s opening half, was instrumental in building a lead against a feisty Indiana Pacers squad.
The box score may only reflect his statistical contribution—eight rebounds, four assists, one block, one steal, and four points across 21 minutes—but his two-way play typified the very reason Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault values his presence on the court.
“I think it’s significant; I bring a variety of skills and can adapt to different roles, which is crucial. Throughout this series, I’ve focused less on scoring and more on helping others find their rhythm. My willingness to be ego-less contributes positively to the team,”
Hartenstein stated following Oklahoma City’s 120-109 victory.
Team Strategy and Offensive Contributions
Before Game 5, Daigneault briefly critiqued his team’s offensive performance in Game 4, shifting to discuss the Pacers’ intense defensive strategy, which aimed to disrupt Oklahoma City’s flow through aggressive ball pressure. This method involves multiple defenders aggressively targeting players high on the floor to force turnovers. Daigneault acknowledged the risks involved, terming it “the cost of doing business” but also highlighted how Hartenstein’s exceptional screening ability serves as a counterbalance. According to Bball-Index, he ranks in the 80th percentile for screening capability and even higher in screen assists per 75 possessions. His talent for effectively clearing pathways for his teammates—such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, who collectively scored 71 points in Game 5—facilitates offensive opportunities and mismatches against defenders.
“I imagine Zay is probably getting quite a workout screening for me,”
Williams remarked about Hartenstein’s contributions.
“With the pressure they apply, having a way to release it opens up the court and creates necessary space for us.”
Although Hartenstein’s utilization of floaters has seen a sharp decline during the playoffs, his effectiveness in orchestrating plays remains pivotal for the Thunder, particularly in their half-court offense. While Daigneault’s choice to introduce Cason Wallace as a starter raised eyebrows, it underscored Hartenstein’s often-understated vision and timing—the very elements that complement Oklahoma City’s elite talents. Despite only appearing in 57 games this season, he maintains a noteworthy 3.8 assists per game rate, reflecting an unselfish playstyle that benefits his teammates. In fact, he recorded three assists in the Thunder’s opening six assists against Indiana for quick, strategic plays.
“Just playing alongside these guys has been a privilege—I’ve learned so much, especially from stars like James Harden and Chris Paul back in Houston,”
Hartenstein shared, acknowledging the influence of past teammates.
Defensive Strengths and Overall Impact
Defensively, Hartenstein’s versatility stands out, particularly in rim protection—he ranks in the 95th percentile according to Bball-Index. Yet, he also embodies the Thunder’s team-oriented defensive philosophy. Their structure encourages big men to adapt within various defensive schemes, such as the 2-3 hybrid zone. In Game 5, for example, Hartenstein’s performance included effectively switching and maintaining composure defensively.
Although he averaged just over seven minutes in first quarters this season, Hartenstein saw nearly nine minutes during Game 5, a slight extension that allowed him to infuse his contagious energy into the game—something his teammates greatly value. Hartenstein thrives on doing the hard work; he dives for loose balls and actively seeks second-chance opportunities, embodying the blue-collar ethic of an unshakeable competitor. His contributions are integral to the electric energy that has brought the Oklahoma City Thunder to the brink of historic achievement as they chase a coveted championship title.
