Isaiah Hartenstein dominates in debut as OKC tops Portland
Jalen Williams exploded for 30 points, Isaiah Hartenstein made an unforgettable season debut, and Oklahoma City surged past Portland with a 109-99 victory.
Hartenstein, a summer acquisition from the New York Knicks, finally took the floor after recovering from a fractured bone in his left hand. In his 29 minutes, he recorded 13 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocks, giving the Thunder a much-needed boost in the frontcourt.
His presence provided stability for a team that has struggled with rebounding and rim protection.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 28 points, including a perfect 14-for-14 from the free-throw line, helping the Thunder break a two-game skid. Alex Caruso came off the bench to score 17 points, as Oklahoma City’s reserves outscored Portland’s bench 44-31.
For Portland, Shaedon Sharpe led the charge with 21 points, while Toumani Camara and Jerami Grant added 14 each.
Scoot Henderson is known for his explosive drives, but even he hesitated when faced with a wall formed by Hartenstein and Caruso late in the first quarter. His ill-advised airborne pass landed in Caruso’s hands, who then sprinted down the court for a quick bucket.
Such moments have been highly anticipated by Thunder fans since Hartenstein and Caruso joined the team this offseason. However, Hartenstein’s debut was delayed due to his hand injury, keeping him out of the first 15 games. His return on Wednesday proved well worth the wait.
Hartenstein made an immediate impact, providing a strong presence in the paint for the undersized Thunder. He racked up four blocks, dominated the offensive boards, and recorded a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds—setting a franchise record for most rebounds in a debut game.
“It felt really good,” Hartenstein shared after the game. “I’m still shaking off a bit of the rust and getting used to the hand again. It’s mostly about getting my touch back, but that’ll come with time.”
Meanwhile, Caruso had a standout game of his own. Known for his defensive tenacity since joining OKC, the former Chicago guard silenced critics of his offensive struggles by scoring a season-high 17 points on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting (72.7%). He also set the tone in transition and brought energy on both ends of the court.
“You could tell before the game he was locked in,” said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. “He does so much for us beyond scoring, but when he’s knocking down shots, it takes us to another level.”
Despite his stellar performance, Caruso aggravated a lingering right hip injury, prompting OKC to rest him for the fourth quarter as a precaution. Head coach Mark Daigneault confirmed Caruso would be re-evaluated on Thursday.
In their 109-99 home win over Portland, Hartenstein showcased his all-around game. He tallied 13 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and four blocks, delivering exactly what OKC needed in a frontcourt already missing Holmgren.
After signing a reported three-year, $87 million deal over the summer, Hartenstein’s value is clear. With this win, the Thunder improved to 12-4, marking a promising start to the season.
Thunder fans can look forward to seeing how this Hartenstein-Caruso pairing continues to grow—and how it could elevate Oklahoma City’s playoff aspirations.
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