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5 hours ago
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The Oklahoma City Thunder had a new name that helped lead them to a 31-point win over the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.
After slowly losing a role in the Thunder's rotation in the NBA championship run last season, Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein has begun his 2025-26 campaign on fire. Through nine games this season, he's averaging a double-double with 10.7 points and 10.9 rebounds while also adding 3.4 assists, 1.7 steals per game, and shooting 64.1% on the season.
The 27-year-old was dominant in Friday's win over the Sacramento Kings, posting a career-high in points with 33 and adding 19 rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and a steal in the 132-101 victory. Hartenstein also shot 14-for-17 from the field.
Oklahoma City leaned on the big man a little bit heavier in the game. At the same time, fellow center Chet Holmgren works his way back from a lower back injury that led to him missing the Thunder's first loss of the season on Wednesday against the Portland Trail Blazers.
For just the second time this season, the Thunder had someone other than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lead the team in points this season, and Oklahoma City will keep its top spot in the league with a record of 9-1.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remained dominant, finishing with 30 points, one rebound, and three assists. This season's breakout performer, Ajay Mitchell, added a double-double with 18 points and 10 assists.
Oklahoma City will conclude its four-game road trip on Sunday as it prepares to face a struggling Memphis Grizzlies team.
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