Thunder frontcourt finally finds stride as Holmgren and Hartenstein anchor perfect playoff start
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The pairing of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein has turned from experiment to foundation for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Hartenstein signed with Oklahoma City in the summer of 2024 after the team was outrebounded by Dallas in the Western Conference semifinals, but injuries kept him and Holmgren from sharing the floor until February of that season. Their early minutes together were “clunky,” Hartenstein told The Oklahoman, and the club was initially more effective with only one big man on the court.
Coach Mark Daigneault stayed committed to the twin-tower alignment. “We were pretty confident it could work, because the goal is to get your best players on the court, and they’re two of our best players,” Daigneault said. The duo eventually clicked, helping the Thunder capture last year’s NBA title and open the current postseason 6-0 after a 64-win regular season.
Backcourt boost from McCain
Second-year guard Jared McCain, obtained from Philadelphia at February’s trade deadline, has provided an immediate lift. He set career playoff scoring highs in each of the past two games, finishing with 18 points on 7-for-11 shooting Thursday. Daigneault cited McCain’s professionalism, commitment and competitiveness as traits that earned him “immediate respect” in the locker room.
Mitchell steps in for injured Williams
Ajay Mitchell has scored 18 and 20 points in the first two games of the Western Conference semifinal series while starting for Jalen Williams, who is sidelined by a Grade 1 hamstring strain suffered in Game 2 of the first-round matchup with Phoenix. Williams was ruled out for tonight’s Game 3.
Redick praises Thunder depth
Before Game 3, Lakers coach JJ Redick told reporters that Oklahoma City’s depth poses a major challenge. “The (Nikola) Topic kid has dealt with some health stuff, and their rookie (Thomas Sorber) is dealing with coming back from his offseason surgery,” Redick said. “Literally the other 13 guys are all top seven or eight rotation players in the NBA on any team.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
