Bitter Playoff Debut for Hartenstein: OKC Thunder Suffers Dramatic Loss After Free Throw Blunder
Hartenstein suffers crushing loss following disastrous free throw performance.
Germany's Isaiah Hartenstein had a less-than-ideal start in his NBA playoff debut. Playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference quarterfinals, the team narrowly lost to the Denver Nuggets - a heartbreaking defeat that could be traced back to a series of missed free throws.
The thrilling game ended 119-121 in Denver's favor, with the Thunder conceding a 0-1 series deficit in the Conference Semifinals. Aaron Gordon sealed the deal for the Nuggets with a three-pointer just four seconds before the buzzer, moments after the Thunder failed to convert three consecutive free throws.
During the game, Hartenstein scored 12 points and collected 9 rebounds. Nikola Jokic dominated the court for the Nuggets, racking up an impressive 42 points and 22 rebounds. The next clash between these teams will take place in Oklahoma just before the following Thursday, with the series then moving to Denver for the remaining contests.
Insights:
- Alex Caruso set an NBA record with his performance off the bench, recording 20+ points, 5+ assists, 5+ steals, and 2+ blocks in a playoff game[1].
- Star players from both teams shined on the court, with Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook making significant impacts[2][3].
- Oklahoma City's long-range shooting, including efforts by Caruso and Lu Dort, kept them competitive throughout the game[4][5].
Sports
Overtime Victory Lifts Knicks
The New York Knicks celebrated a 1-0 series lead against the defending champions, Boston Celtics. A nail-biting overtime match saw Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby both scoring 29 points apiece, securing the Knicks' surprising win against the title holders. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each added 23 points for the Celtics but were unable to prevent the team's defeat. The next game of this series is scheduled in Boston, preceding Thursday.
Sources: ntv.de, ter/sid
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Jokic's dominance in the NBA continued as he scored 42 points and collected 22 rebounds in the Nuggets' win against the Thunder. In the same game, Hartenstein had a tough playoff debut, scoring 12 points and collecting 9 rebounds. The playoff series between the Thunder and Nuggets will continue with the next game in Oklahoma.
Meanwhile, the Knicks pulled off an upset against the Celtics in the Eastern Conference, securing a 1-0 series lead in overtime. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby both scored 29 points each, while Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each added 23 points for the Celtics. The next game of this series is scheduled in Boston.
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