Hartenstein's OKC edges closer to NBA championship victory.
Let's Chat About the NBA Finals
German Basketball Legends
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Dirk Nowitzki bagged the NBA title in 2011, a feat no other German has managed since. Now, Isaiah Hartenstein steps up to the plate with the Oklahoma City Thunder, aiming to match Dirk's historic win.
Oklahoma City Storms Ahead
The Thunder trumpeted over the Indiana Pacers for the third time, securing a 3-2 series lead in the NBA Finals. The match at home ended with a resounding 120:109 victory, keeping a fourth win within their sights. Hartenstein stands a chance to etch his name alongside Nowitzki as the second German to lift the NBA championship trophy. Back in 2011, Nowitzki triumphed with the Dallas Mavericks, under the guidance of Rick Carlisle, who now coaches the Pacers. Missing out on a potential Pacers comeback/comeback by a hair's breadth, they almost pegged the Thunder back to two points in the final quarter. But alas, the Thunder seized control once more, ready to clinch their second championship by winning the series in Indianapolis on Friday night.
Points Galore for Jalen Williams - Haliburton Struggles
"You don't stumble upon the finals. You've gotta keep your eyes on the prize," said Jalen Williams, who finished with 40 points for the Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points and 10 assists to the victory. However, the crucial factor in the Thunder's triumph was their impressive defensive effort after a shaky phase. Hartenstein made a notable impact in this department, recording 4 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal.
The Pacers' Fortunes Fluctuate with Haliburton's Woes
Haliburton had a dismal performance, missing all six shot attempts, contributing only 4 points through free throws. The best scorer for Indiana was Pascal Siakam with 28 points. Hartenstein's presence and defensive prowess are vital for the Thunder's success, especially for counteracting opponents' ball pressure and stuffing the stat sheet with rebounding and screening skills.
Remember to Rally Behind Hartenstein on Friday Night
As the Thunder stand on the brink of making history in the 2025 NBA Finals, Hartenstein's role, though limited compared to his peers, remains crucial for the team's overall performance. Catch the game live on Friday night to witness Hartenstein's journey to potentially equal the legendary Dirk Nowitzki.
During the NBA Finals, Isaiah Hartenstein is striving to emulate Dirk Nowitzki's historic NBA title win in 2011, as he currently plays with the Oklahoma City Thunder. In their last match against the Indiana Pacers, Hartenstein's defensive effort was instrumental in securing the Thunder's 3-2 series lead, with a potential chance to equal Nowitzki as the second German to win the NBA championship trophy.
