Isaiah Hartenstein has transitioned from winning the G League Finals MVP with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in 2019 to becoming a vital contributor for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV. The 27-year-old German-American center’s elevation to a key role underscores his significant development throughout the current season and postseason.
Hartenstein’s Career Growth and Current Role with the Thunder
Hartenstein’s journey to prominence involved several stops, including time with the Houston Rockets where he primarily played in the G League, a stint backing up Nikola Jokic at the Denver Nuggets, and shorter periods with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, and New York Knicks. His move to the Oklahoma City Thunder last July on a three-year contract marked a turning point, as he emerged as the starting center under head coach Mark Daigneault, securing an important role on the team.
Reflecting on his path from G League success to an NBA Finals starter, Hartenstein shared in a media session after practice,
“I think the only time I took time was after the Western Conference Finals, when we won that, I took a little step back, talked to my wife, and I was just thinking how I was in G-League finals and won an MVP there. It’s going from that to being here, starting, having a big role,”
adding,
“I think you just have to appreciate it.”
—Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma City Thunder center
Path Through the 2025 Playoffs to the NBA Finals
The Thunder secured the Western Conference title in convincing fashion after sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies and narrowly defeating the Denver Nuggets in seven games. Their momentum continued as they eliminated the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games, earning an eight-day layoff before facing the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals.
Discussing the evened 2-2 series score after four games in the Finals, Hartenstein emphasized the renewed pressure, explaining,
“Going into it now, 2-2 rather than 3-1, I think, is huge. Now the series kind of starts over again. Best-out-of-three series now,”
ahead of Game 5 at the Paycom Center on Monday.
Statistical Highlights of Hartenstein’s Season and Playoff Contributions
Over 20 playoff appearances this postseason, Hartenstein has averaged 8.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game, with figures slightly dipping to 4.5 points and 6.5 rebounds during the Finals matchups. The 2024-25 regular season marked career highs for him, with averages of 11.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per outing, highlighting his expanded role and consistent production.
Early Career and International Experience
Before entering the NBA, Hartenstein appeared in five Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games with Zalgiris during the 2016-17 season and was selected 43rd overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. Internationally, he has represented Germany in EuroBasket 2017 as well as during the FIBA World Cup 2019 Qualifiers, gaining valuable exposure on a global stage early in his professional career.
Overview of the 2025 NBA Playoffs Progression
The 2025 NBA playoffs, presented by Google, unfolded with intense competition throughout all conferences. In the first round, notable sweep victories included the Cleveland Cavaliers over the Miami Heat 4-0 and the Oklahoma City Thunder over the Memphis Grizzlies 4-0. Other series extended more fully, such as the Denver Nuggets edging the Los Angeles Clippers 4-3 while the Houston Rockets narrowly lost to the Golden State Warriors 3-4.
During the Conference Semifinals, Indiana Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves advanced with series wins of 4-1 over Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors respectively. The Thunder overcame the Denver Nuggets in a tightly contested 4-3 series, while the New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics 4-2.
Conference Finals saw the Indiana Pacers take down the New York Knicks 4-2, whereas the Thunder dispatched the Timberwolves 4-1 to secure their place in the NBA Finals.
Current Status of the 2025 NBA Finals
The Finals are locked in a 2-2 tie between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers following four games marked by narrow score margins and intense play. The series remains open with both teams poised to battle in the upcoming Game 5, with the Thunder playing on their home court at the Paycom Center.
Isaiah Hartenstein’s emergence as a key player in the NBA Finals reflects both his perseverance and steady improvement since his early career days. His journey from G League champion to a leading big man in the NBA Finals highlights a path characterized by hard work and growth, underscoring his increasing impact at the highest levels of basketball.