Dramatic loss for Hartenstein ensues after mishaps in crucial free throws.
Share on Facebook Tweet This Whatsapp This Email This Print This Copy Link Bitter Beginning for Isaiah Hartenstein in the NBA Playoffs: The German superstar's Oklahoma City Thunder fall short against the Denver Nuggets — courtesy of a staggering three missed free throws in a row.
Isaiah Hartenstein's impressive run in the NBA Playoffs took a steep turn for the worse as his Oklahoma City Thunder dropped their first game in the Conference Semifinals to the Denver Nuggets, 119:121. Nikola Jokic put on a show, racking up an astounding 42 points and 22 rebounds for the Nuggets, earning them an opening series lead.
The last-second heartbreak came as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's team missed three successive free throws, paving the way for Aaron Gordon's timely three-pointer to seal the fateful victory for the Nuggets. Hartenstein contributed 12 points and 9 rebounds to the Thunder's effort.
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Elsewhere, the New York Knicks obtained an initial series edge against the reigning champions Boston Celtics. Playing without Ariel Hukporti, the Knicks emerged victorious in overtime by a score of 108:105, with Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby both scoring 29 points each for the upset win. Title contenders Tatum and Brown managed 23 points apiece for the Celtics but were unable to prevent the loss. The second game of the series will kick off again in Boston, the night before Thursday.
Source: ntv.de, ter/sid
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Insights: Jokic's dominance in the 2025 Playoffs: Jokic, an all-around superstar, has been a consistent force in the 2025 playoffs, averaging around 24.9 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists[2] across 11 games. In the Western Conference Semifinals, he led in points, rebounds, and assists, with 274 points, 140 rebounds, and 92 assists[3][5].
- Nikola Jokic's performance in the first game of the series: While the specific statistics for the first game are unavailable, Jokic's impact is undoubtedly vital. However, in the lead-up to the series, he has experienced some troubles, shooting 33.3% in the past three games and recording more turnovers than assists in the series[1], suggesting defensive challenges that could potentially reduce his efficiency.
The NBA playoffs continue to intrigue with another nail-biter, as the Oklahoma City Thunder lost to the Denver Nuggets in a close finish, with Isaiah Hartenstein missing three critical free throws. The NBA is packed with exciting basketball action, and the Denver Nuggets' victory over the Thunder is a testament to that, with Nikola Jokic delivering a stellar performance.
