THE Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder beat the Portland Path Blazers on Wednesday, 109-99, to maneuver two video games forward of the Lakers within the Western Convention standings. Even when the November rankings do not maintain up as a lot, the Thunder have distinguished themselves from different contenders because of their constant play. Moreover, they’ve addressed weaknesses from final season, particularly dimension and energy up entrance. After Chet Holmgren fractured his hip, Isaiah Hartenstein returns from damage himself to drop 13 factors and 14 rebounds within the Thunder’s victory.
After the win, Hartenstein celebrated his impactful efficiency with a bark, surrounded by his teammates, from this clip shared by Thunder Movie Room on X, previously Twitter.
Thunder def. Jackets, 109-99
The absence of Chet Holmgren brought on the Thunder to stumble a bit, however the star energy of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored a career-high 45 factors in opposition to the Clippers, guided them to a 12-4 document, most lately beating the Blazers, whereas the returns of Isaiah Hartenstein crammed their rebounding and inside protection wants.
His return is doubly necessary as a result of the Thunder are additionally lacking Jaylin Williams, who’s coping with a hamstring damage.
Scoring 13 factors whereas grabbing 14 rebounds is sufficient manufacturing for a crew missing Holmgren’s two-way impression, which makes Hartenstein such a useful position participant for OKC.
He might help hold the crew’s offense and protection in step with his shot blocking and rebounding.
Likewise, he is robust sufficient to make contact within the low block, which might theoretically permit Holmgren to fly across the perimeter firing bombs.
But with Isaiah Hartenstein coming back from damage, the Thunder are additionally coping with a groin damage. Alex Caruso damagetheir defensive ace. He I left the sport within the second half and didn’t return.
Though the Thunder ought to proceed to pile up wins with out him, they are going to want his toughness, basketball IQ and nostril on protection deep within the playoffs.
In spite of everything, their lack of playoff expertise confirmed of their playoff flameout in opposition to the Mavericks final season.
Caruso’s championship pedigree would assist them immensely in the event that they have been going through the Warriors, for instance, or the Lakers, someplace within the playoffs.
Associated Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder InformationArticle continues under
Towards the Blazers, SGA shot simply 7-19, but it surely made all 14 of its photographs from the charity stripe.
Outlook
After the victory, they should reap the benefits of their 4 days off earlier than their street journey to the West Coast which is able to pit them in opposition to the opposite finest groups within the convention, beginning with the Sacramento Kings for the NBA Cup and ending with the Lakers.
Then they are going to go to the Rockets earlier than returning house.
At this level within the season, Thunder could not have a lot to fret about – apart from accidents – however they should see if they’ve found out sufficient issues to go additional within the playoffs.
