INDIANAPOLIS — In a strategic move in the NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder reinstated Isaiah Hartenstein into the starting lineup for Game 4 against Indiana on Friday night. This adjustment brought a familiar look to the court, as Hartenstein joined forces with star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, alongside teammates Jalen Williams, Lu Dort, and Chet Holmgren.
This 7-foot pairing of Hartenstein and Holmgren is a significant advantage for the Thunder. Notably, the team has achieved a strong record of 12 wins and only 4 losses in the Western Conference playoffs with this lineup. They also performed well during the regular season, boasting a record of 9-4 when starting together.
Previously, Hartenstein had been coming off the bench for the first three games of the finals, with Cason Wallace starting in his position. However, the change comes in response to Indiana’s offensive surge, which allowed them to score 50 points in the paint during Game 3—a jump from their first two games where they managed only 34 points each.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault highlighted the team’s adaptability throughout the season, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in their strategy. He noted that while the starting lineup has remained consistent, their rotation has varied significantly, showcasing the team’s strength in adjusting to different challenges.
With this shift, Oklahoma City aims to regain momentum in the series against Indiana and push towards securing the championship title.
