Through six weeks of action, the Oklahoma City Thunder are 15-5. The Thunder had a four-game road trip and their toughest week of the of the season thus far. The Thunder had an impressive week, going (3-1) for the week. The Thunder defeated Sacramento (in Sacramento for the first time since Jan 29, 2020), defeated Golden State, and the Los Angeles Lakers, and their lone loss of the week coming at the end of their four-game road trip against the Houston Rockets. Through 20 games, the Thunder are back at the top of the West at 15-5.
Despite dealing with a significant amount of injuries, the Thunder continues to get the done job and get gusty wins. Despite facing a ton of adversity throughout the first six weeks of the season, the Thunder are still atop of the West, which shows how much room for error the Thunder has — due to the amount of talent and depth on the roster. Through 20 games, the Thunder are leading the league in DRTG (104.1), opponent field goal percentage (42.2%), forced turnovers (18.8), steals (11.6), and NET (+10). The Thunder also ranks second in points allowed (104), opponent 3-point percentage (33.8%), and opponent true shooting percentage (53.5%).
Here’s my Week 6 — Thunder Player of the Week:
OKC Player of the Week
Isaiah Hartenstein
Since returning from injury, Isaiah Hartenstein has exceeded all expectations thus far, and he’s a huge reason for the Thunder going (3-1), throughout week 6. Hartenstein averaged 15.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block while shooting 64.2 percent from the floor
Isaiah Hartenstein this season:
13 PTS – 14 REB – 3 AST – 4 BLK
19 PTS – 10 REB – 4 AST – 60% FG
14 PTS – 14 REB – 3 AST – 2 BLK
11 PTS – 17 REB – 4 AST – 57% FG
19 PTS – 13 REB – 4 AST – 75% FG pic.twitter.com/uohzfXFNFm— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 2, 2024
Hartenstein has been an absolute game changer for the Thunder, as he has 5 double-doubles in 5 games this season. Hartenstein is averaging 15.2 points, 13.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.6 blocks, on 61.1% shooting from the floor.
Hartenstein’s Impact
When OKC signed Hartenstein to a three-year – $87 million deal in the offseason, a lot of people called it an ‘overpay’. That has not been the case thus far. Hartenstein has made an immediate impact in multiple areas: His screen-setting, his pick-and-roll game, his rebounding and interior presence, and maybe his most impressive attribute — his playmaking and passing.
Massive shot from Cason Wallace – a corner three created by a rolling Isaiah Hartenstein, who kicked it across the court.
Wallace one rebound away from his first career double-double.
— Nick Gallo (@NickAGallo) December 2, 2024
With Chet Holmgren out for the foreseeable future, the impact and stabilizing presence of Harteinstein has been an absolute game changer for the Thunder.
Mark Daigneault on Isaiah Hartenstein
Head coach Mark Daigneault on Isaiah Hartenstein through his first 5 games with the Thunder.
Mark Daigneault on Isaiah Hartenstein through his first 5 games with the Thunder. pic.twitter.com/WVR4rNECew
— Addam M. Francisco, MLS 🇭🇹 (@SuaveCEO_) December 2, 2024
“He brings a certain layer to our team, that’s very impactful, that we haven’t had on our team, the point of attack defense, the pick-and-roll defense, the rim defense, rebounding. Not only his rebounds, but his block-outs, keeps other guys off the glass, allowing guards to clean things up. And now offensively, he’s dynamic as a 5-man, great screen-setter, great pocket player, great finisher, great offensive rebounder. He checks a ton of boxes. He’s a great player but he’s a player that can gain more chemistry with our team and he can improve on some of his fundamentals. He’s not a finished product, and he’s somebody that has a runway to improve, he’s still a young player,” Daigneault said.
Takeaways
Through six weeks of action, the Thunder have a record of 15-5. The Thunder just went through their toughest stretch of their season thus far, a four game road trip against Sacramento, Golden State, the Los Angeles Lakers, and Houston. Finishing their road trip and week at (3-1).
Wins: @ Sacramento (130 to 109), @ Golden State (105-101), @ Los Angeles Lakers (101 to 93)
Loss: @ Houston (116 to 119)
Note: The Thunder improved to 2-1 in NBA Cup play with their win over the Lakers. The Thunder can clinch West Group B — with a victory in their final group play NBA Cup game on Tuesday against Utah and with San Antonio losing against Phoenix. The Thunder can also advance to the Knockout Rounds as a ‘wild card team’ with a victory and with Memphis beating Dallas on Tuesday.
Injury Update: Alex Caruso missed the week due to hip strain in which he reaggravated it against Portland on Nov. 20th. Caruso participated in all of the practices and shoot-arounds throughout the week. No further update on Caruso.
Main Image: © Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
