Hartenstein One Win Away From Joining Nowitzki as German NBA Champion

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein is on the cusp of NBA glory, just one win away from becoming only the second German player to hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy. As the Thunder lead the Indiana Pacers 3-2 in the NBA Finals, Hartenstein stands poised to etch his name in German basketball history alongside legend Dirk Nowitzki.

Hartenstein, a 27-year-old German-American, has been a key contributor for the Thunder throughout their impressive playoff run. After a somewhat nomadic early career, including stints in the G League and with several NBA teams, Hartenstein has found a home in Oklahoma City, signing a three-year, $87 million contract last offseason. He has since become the starting center for coach Mark Daigneault, providing crucial rebounding, defense, and playmaking.

The Thunder's journey to the Finals has been a testament to their resilience and growth. After sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round and battling past the Denver Nuggets in a grueling seven-game series, Oklahoma City eliminated the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games to secure the Western Conference title. Hartenstein has played a vital role, averaging 8.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in over 20 postseason appearances.

From G League MVP to NBA Finals Starter

Hartenstein's path to the NBA Finals has been far from conventional. In 2019, he was named G League Finals MVP after leading the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to a championship. Now, just a few years later, he's starting for a team with a chance to win the ultimate prize in basketball.

"I think the only time I took time was after the Western Conference Finals, when we won that, I took a little step back, talked to my wife, and I was just thinking how I was in G-League finals and won an MVP there," Hartenstein said. "It's going from that to being here, starting, having a big role. I think you just have to appreciate it."

Before joining the NBA, Hartenstein honed his skills in Germany and Lithuania. He played for Zalgiris Kaunas, winning a Lithuanian League Championship in 2017. The Houston Rockets selected him with the 43rd overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, but he spent considerable time in the G League before finding his footing in the NBA.

Overcoming Adversity: The Denver Series

The Thunder's hard-fought series against the Denver Nuggets proved to be a turning point in their playoff journey. After falling behind 2-1, Oklahoma City rallied to win the series in seven games, demonstrating their mental toughness and ability to perform under pressure.

"We've grown a lot, I think. We've matured. The Denver series helped us the most," Hartenstein said. "Just going through that grind. Learning on the fly. It helped us a lot. What a lot of people don't know is that we're young, but we're mature enough in the way we approach each thing throughout the playoffs."

Hartenstein's presence in the NBA Finals also continues an unusual streak: every edition of the championship series has featured a past, present, or future member of the New York Knicks. Hartenstein played for the Knicks from 2022-2024.

A Nation Watches

As Hartenstein and the Thunder prepare for their potential closeout game against the Pacers, basketball fans in Germany are eagerly watching. Only Dirk Nowitzki, who led the Dallas Mavericks to the title in 2011, has ever won an NBA championship.

In Game 5, the Thunder defeated the Pacers 120-109, taking a 3-2 lead in the series. Jalen Williams led the way with 40 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31. Hartenstein contributed four points and eight rebounds in nearly 21 minutes of play.

Oklahoma City can clinch the title in Game 6, which will be played in Indiana. If the Pacers win, Game 7 will be in Oklahoma City.

One Step Away

Isaiah Hartenstein and the Oklahoma City Thunder are on the verge of achieving basketball immortality. With a blend of young talent and veteran leadership, they have overcome numerous challenges to reach this point. As Hartenstein aims to become the second German player to win an NBA title, he carries the hopes of a nation and the weight of history on his shoulders.