Isaiah Hartenstein's acquisition by the Oklahoma City Thunder has proven to be a transformative force for the team's offense, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander blossoming into a league MVP candidate.
Hartenstein's presence has freed Gilgeous-Alexander from having to carry the scoring burden, allowing him to focus on creating plays and facilitating for his teammates. The 24-year-old point guard is averaging career highs in points, assists, and rebounds per game, with Hartenstein providing a dependable presence in the paint.
Beyond his offensive contributions, Hartenstein has also solidified the Thunder's defense. His size and length have deterred opponents from driving into the lane, and his rim protection has allowed Gilgeous-Alexander to take more risks defensively.
"Isaiah has brought a level of stability to our team that we didn't have before. He's a reliable presence on both ends of the court, and that's given Shai the freedom to play his game and really flourish."
The Thunder's offensive efficiency has skyrocketed since Hartenstein's arrival, rising from 24th in the league before his acquisition to 11th currently. Gilgeous-Alexander's shooting percentages have also improved with Hartenstein setting screens and rolling to the basket.
Isaiah Hartenstein's addition to the Oklahoma City Thunder has transformed the team into a playoff contender. His versatility and impact on both ends of the court have helped unleash Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's full potential, making him one of the most dynamic players in the league. As the Thunder continue their playoff push, Hartenstein's contributions are likely to play a pivotal role in their success.