For today’s defenses, the three-on-four disadvantage associated with trapping a talented pick-and-roll creator can often be a nightmare to deal with. In the case of Isaiah Hartenstein on January 26, 2025, it merely allowed for example No. 1,000 of just how otherworldly the Oklahoma City Thunder’s always-connected defense is. Crossing the first box of a successful pick-and-roll hedge by forcing bucket-getting guard Anfernee Simons to pick up his dribble, the versatile 7-footer breaks into a full-on sprint, appearing to be a fraction late in contesting Robert Williams III’s finger roll attempt. Breathtaking in the leap that follows, Hartenstein turns “Time Lord’s” clock-beating layup away with ferocity, sending the basketball into Row A along the sidelines. It’s often said that second-effort plays are what create top-of-the-league defenses, and in a 10-point win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Hartenstein certainly helped Oklahoma City look the part once more. Superb individually as well, Hartenstein closed the evening with an efficient 14-point, 12-rebound double-double, alongside six assists, a block, and a team-high eight shot contests. · Jan 26, 2025