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Isaiah Hartenstein · Blowing warmth into the previously-broken hand that temporarily postponed his arrival alongside a different orange-and-blue-colored contender, Isaiah Hartenstein — amending for lost time — dedicated his Oklahoma City Thunder debut to leaving a noticeable fingerprint on a much-needed NBA Cup victory. Putting an ironic twist on the phrase, “Delayed, but not denied,” Hartenstein patrols Portland’s “Iverson cut” and seemingly-well-designed alley-oop lob attempt from afar, ultimately meeting Shaedon Sharpe and his 49-inch vertical head-on for an authoritative swat. As if a message hadn’t been sent already, Oklahoma City’s $87 million man races the floor in preparation of another, matching his teammates’ vibe by tracking down his own ferocious alley-oop flush. Hartenstein gave the once-undersized Thunder a reprieve, helping guide a paint-dominant win over the Portland Trail Blazers on November 20, 2024. Back as if he hadn’t left, the seventh-year center offered 13 points (on 6-of-12 shooting), 14 rebounds, three assists, and four blocks. · State of Mint