Oklahoma City Thunder's Player Hartenstein Competes in NBA Finals - Oklahoma City Thunder faces Hartenstein in the NBA Finals matchup.
Oklahoma City Thunder Advances to NBA Finals with Standout Performance from Isaiah Hartenstein
Isaiah Hartenstein is poised to become the second German player, following Dirk Nowitzki, to win an NBA title after the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a spot in the Finals following a convincing 124-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals.
The Thunder, led by the performance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named the MVP of the Western Conference Finals, clinched the required four wins to advance to the championship series. The team will host the first NBA Finals game against either the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks on June 5th.
"This team is doing everything right," said head coach Mark Daigneault. "They are professionals with great character. And they're a bunch of idiots," he jokingly added, playfully bantering with his players.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points, along with eight assists and seven rebounds in the decisive game. Addressing the fans, he said, "Buckle up and get ready."
The Timberwolves struggled offensively throughout the game, with the Thunder taking a 26-9 lead after the first quarter and growing their lead to as much as 39 points during the game. The home crowd in Oklahoma City began to mockingly sing the Timberwolves out of the playoffs as the game neared its end.
Hartenstein contributed eight points, five rebounds, and two blocks in the game. The last German player to appear in the NBA Finals was Maxi Kleber, who lost with the Dallas Mavericks last season. Two years earlier, Daniel Theis, another German player, also lost in the Finals. Nowitzki remains the only German-born player to have won an NBA title.
The Oklahoma City Thunder last appeared in the NBA Finals 13 years ago. Their return is a testament to their resurgence this season, led by a core of young stars and Hartenstein's steady presence as a reliable center. Hartenstein's early success in the G League, where he was named Finals MVP, and subsequent stints with multiple NBA teams have prepared him for this championship run. His move to Oklahoma City in the 2024 offseason on a three-year, $87 million deal was a pivotal moment for the Thunder, providing them with the depth and experience needed to contend for a title.
As Hartenstein prepares for the NBA Finals, his focus will be on helping the Thunder capture their first championship since their last appearance more than a decade ago. The team's young core, anchored by Hartenstein's veteran presence, is eager to etch their names in NBA history.
"I'm not going to be a big fan of this NBA Finals, but I must admit, the Oklahoma City Thunder's performance, particularly Isaiah Hartenstein's, has been impressive."
"Although Dirk Nowitzki is the only German-born player to win an NBA title, I'm hoping that if the Thunder wins, Isaiah Hartenstein may not become the second, but certainly make a significant impact in the sports of basketball and NBA."
