The German NBA player Isaiah Hartenstein has given Oklahoma City Thunder a successful playoff start in the series against Denver Nuggets. Superstar Nikola Jokic towered over in the away win.
A threesome from Aaron Gordon 3.6 seconds before the end got the 121: 119 for the Denver Nuggets after Oklahoma had not previously transformed three free throws in a row. The late defeat is particularly annoying because the guests have not been in the lead since the first quarter. By far the best man in the field was again Denvers Nikola Jokic with his double double from 42 points and 22 rebounds.
The inferior Isaiah Hartenstein had strong scenes and a large part in the long -term confident ideas of the hosts on its 27th birthday. The German Center ended the basketball game with 12 points, 9 rebounds as well as a template and a block. The best thrower for OKC was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 33 points, but also not enough for the important first victory in the playoff series.
Title opportunities for Hartenstein and OKC
The second duel also takes place in Oklahoma on Thursday night before the series for two games moves to Denver. Oklahoma is considered one of the title favorites after 68:14 victories in the main round and a clear 4-0 series success in the first round of playoff against the Memphis Grizzlies. According to Dirk Nowitzki (2011), Hartenstein would only be the second German who would win the title in the NBA.
| Game | Last game | Stood in the series |
|---|---|---|
Boston Celtics – New York Knicks | 105: 108 NV | 0: 1 |
Cleveland Cavaliers – Indiana Pacers | 113: 121 | 0: 1 |
| Game | Last game | Stood in the series |
|---|---|---|
Oklahoma City Thunder – Denver Nuggets | 119: 121 | 0: 1 |
Minnesota Timberwolves | – | 0: 0 |