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Returning to the court after a five-game absence due to a left soleus strain, Isaiah Hartenstein made a significant impact with a double-double, aiding the Oklahoma City Thunder in their 118-108 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on Sunday.
“I struggled with free throws, hitting only 4 of 9, but overall my performance felt solid,” remarked the 26-year-old German center upon his return.
In addition to tallying 14 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, he also contributed six assists and executed an impressive block against Robert Williams III. “It’s all part of team defense,” Hartenstein said, acknowledging his teammates for one of the game’s standout moments. “It’s not just about one great play; it creates a ripple effect.”
French player Ousmane Dieng added five points, one assist, and one rebound to the team’s efforts. Meanwhile, Belgian Ajay Mitchell (recovering from right toe surgery) and Serbian Nikola Topic (coming back from left knee surgery) remained unavailable.
On the other side of the matchup, Israeli player Deni Avdija led his team with 28 points, along with eight rebounds, eight assists, one block, and one steal, while Belgian Toumani Camara contributed 24 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.
“When we play with high energy and intensity on both ends, it impacts the game and our chances to win,” said Camara, 24, regarding his collaborative efforts with Avdija. “Our communication and leadership are key, with both of us open to giving and receiving constructive feedback, which helps foster a supportive environment.”
“Off the court, our rapport is strong, and we communicate effectively,” added Avdija, also 24. “We are both competitive and aim to contribute to the team’s success. I enjoy playing alongside someone like him—his enthusiasm is motivating and spreads to the rest of the team.”
Rayan Rupert, another European talent on Chauncey Billups’ squad, did not step onto the court during the game.
Standings Overview:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers 36-9
2. Boston Celtics 32-14
3. New York Knicks 30-16
4. Milwaukee Bucks 25-18
5. Indiana Pacers 25-20
6. Orlando Magic 24-23
7. Detroit Pistons 23-22
8. Miami Heat 22-22
9. Atlanta Hawks 22-23
10. Chicago Bulls 19-27
11. Philadelphia 76ers 17-27
12. Brooklyn Nets 14-32
13. Toronto Raptors 13-32
14. Charlotte Hornets 12-30
15. Washington Wizards 6-38
1. Oklahoma City Thunder 37-8
2. Houston Rockets 30-14
3. Memphis Grizzlies 31-15
4. Denver Nuggets 28-17
5. Los Angeles Lakers 25-18
6. Los Angeles Clippers 26-19
7. Minnesota Timberwolves 24-21
8. Phoenix Suns 23-22
9. Dallas Mavericks 24-22
10. Sacramento Kings 23-22
11. Golden State Warriors 22-23
12. San Antonio Spurs 20-23
13. Portland Trail Blazers 17-29
14. New Orleans Pelicans 12-34
15. Utah Jazz 10-33
– The top six teams from each conference secure a spot in the Playoffs.
– Teams ranked seventh through tenth qualify for the Play-In tournament.
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