Thunder's opponent in the NBA Finals is Hartenstein.
German Prospect Isaiah Hartenstein Steers Oklahoma City Thunder to NBA Finals
In a historic achievement for both himself and the Oklahoma City Thunder, German-American center Isaiah Hartenstein has led the team to the NBA Finals. The Thunder secure a spot in the championship round after a dominant performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves, winning Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals 124-94.
The Thunder, who haven't reached the NBA Finals since 2009, are on the brink of a second title, having secured the necessary four wins to advance. They await the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks, with the Pacers currently holding a 3-1 series lead. The first game of the NBA Finals will be hosted by the Thunder on June 5.
Isaiah Hartenstein, who joined the Thunder in the summer of 2024, has solidified his position as a vital player on the team. His strong two-way impact and versatile skill set have significantly boosted the Thunder's defense, rebounding, playmaking, and scoring from the center position. His impressive regular season performance of 11.2 points per game on high efficiency continued into the playoffs.
Hartenstein is the latest in a limited list of German-born players to reach the NBA Finals. The most iconic of these is Dirk Nowitzki, who won the championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 – the only German player to be crowned NBA champion. Before Hartenstein, Maxi Kleber, another German, lost with the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. In 2023, Daniel Theis with the Celtics also fell short against the Golden State Warriors.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, named the most valuable player of the Western Conference Finals, scored 34 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds in the series-clinching victory over the Timberwolves. Teammates playfully teased coach Mark Daigneault during an interview, showering him with towels before he jokingly remarked on their professionalism and doltishness.
With the Thunder now on the edge of history, basketball fans eagerly await the first game of the NBA Finals on June 5. Hartenstein, hungrily chasing the legacy of Dirk Nowitzki, will be a focal point for Germany's basketball community as he looks to become the second German to win a title in the world's best basketball league.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, guided by German-American center Isaiah Hartenstein's dominance, secured a spot in the 2024 NBA Finals with their victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, pushing them to the brink of a second title. Amidst the excitement, Hartenstein's remarkable performances in both the regular season and playoffs further solidify his position as an integral player in the world-renowned sports league, the NBA.
