Isaiah Hartenstein Compares New York Knicks, Thunder Coaches

The New York Knicks: Do not knock ’em till you strive ’em.

Isaiah Hartenstein has spent the final three seasons on reverse ends of the NBA rotation administration spectrum: he labored with Tom Thibodeau’s New York Knicks within the first, however presently represents an Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder group identified for its depth . The latter, led by reigning coach of the yr Mark Daigneault, gained a 117-107 victory on the Paycom Middle on Fridayending Thibodeau’s nine-game profitable streak in New York.

Hartenstein, who recorded a Thunder-best 14 rebounds, addressed the variations between Thibodeau and Daigneault afterward, believing each groups have their benefits.

“It’s completely different,” Hartenstein stated (to New York Basketball on X). “I feel lots of people assume that whenever you play for Thibs you additionally prepare day by day. You do not do this more often than not, particularly in case you play quite a bit. You get probably the most out of the day. I feel it adjustments this facet: you play quite a bit, however you are going to have days off.

“Mark is completely different in that facet. We even have a deeper workforce, so he has the luxurious of taking part in in opposition to 10 guys. However yeah, I imply, they’re completely different in that facet, however they’re each nice coaches , each nice basketball minds.”

The ideas had been taken to the intense Friday evening, which noticed Hartenstein and the Western Convention-leading Thunder (29-5) earn their 14th straight victory. All 5 Knicks starters performed at the least 40 minutes whereas Oklahoma Metropolis had 10 males play at the least eight. The host Thunder’s gamble prevailed this time, as they erased a 14-point Knicks lead. thanks partly to a dominant fourth quarter. It is value noting that Aaron Wiggins scored 15 factors on 5-of-5 taking pictures within the fourth alone, whereas the Knicks bench as an entire solely mustered 5 as a bunch.

Even so, it is onerous to argue with the concept that Thibodeau and Daigneault make issues work: Over the previous two seasons, Oklahoma Metropolis has the fourth-best profitable share within the NBA whereas the Knicks are shut in sixth. Each are thought-about rising contenders of their respective conferences and a few view Friday’s recreation as a possible preview of the NBA Finals.

Hartenstein’s diplomatic strategy continues to hold the theme of respectful distance from the Knicks group. The middle left New York to make huge cash in OKC, however shared some pleasant moments with the Knicks employees after the ultimate buzzer.

“To compete in opposition to these guys, it’s an incredible factor,” Hartenstein stated (h/t New York Basketball on X). “They’re all nice opponents. Me and Josh [Hart] joking, however we’re each high opponents. So I feel taking part in in opposition to them, in opposition to an outdated workforce, was an excellent recreation. It was good for our workforce to play in opposition to a high workforce and it was good for us to proceed to enhance.”

Hartenstein will return to Madison Sq. Backyard subsequent Friday evening, when the Thunder face Manhattan in a rematch.

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