Isaiah Hartenstein

Much was made of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s perceived lack of experience in high-pressure postseason situations, especially in comparison to the “been-there-done-that” Denver Nuggets. By series’ end, though, Isaiah Hartenstein and his rim-protecting teammates could rebuttal through a well-known phrase of their own: “You can’t teach size.” Quietly settled among the NBA’s elites in terms of shot contests, rejections, and opponent field goal percentage around the rim, Hartenstein finds the ultimate test awaiting, with celebrated aerial artist Aaron Gordon using a plus-sized pick-and-roll to create his to-the-paint runway. Completely vertical in his leap, Hartenstein swats the dunk attempt away forcefully, accompanying his display with a well-earned staredown thereafter. Replayable two-way sequences defined Hartenstein’s performance on May 13, 2025, as Oklahoma City survived its season’s most critical game to date through his 15-point, seven-rebound, two-assist, one-steal, one-block outing (on 7-of-10 shooting). Reaping the ultimate reward five days later, Hartenstein helped guide the Thunder’s first Western Conference Finals berth since 2016 in a seven-game triumph.