Hartenstein Shines as Thunder Dominate Kings
Isaiah Hartenstein delivered a career-best performance with 33 points and 19 rebounds, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a commanding 132–101 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.
The seven-foot center shot an impressive 14-of-17 from the field, while also contributing three assists and three blocks. His dominant play helped Oklahoma City take early control of the game.
“Hartenstein had a career-high 33 points along with 19 rebounds as the Thunder overpowered the Kings 132–101.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 30 points, helping the Thunder, now 9–1, rebound quickly after their only loss of the season in Portland. Cason Wallace scored 15 points, and Isaiah Joe added 13 as Oklahoma City secured its first NBA Cup tournament win.
The Thunder built a 23-point lead and capitalized on the absence of Sacramento’s key big man, Domantas Sabonis, who missed his second straight game due to sore ribs. Oklahoma City outscored the Kings 60–34 in the paint.
Russell Westbrook, facing his former team, notched 24 points and nine assists for the Kings. The game marked a role reversal from their previous meeting 11 days earlier, when the Thunder played without Chet Holmgren and Sacramento had a healthy Sabonis. This time, Holmgren logged 10 points and seven rebounds while Sabonis watched from the bench.
Author’s Summary
Isaiah Hartenstein’s breakout performance lifted the Thunder past the Kings, demonstrating Oklahoma City’s depth and resilience in NBA Cup play.