**OKLAHOMA CITY — Isaiah Hartenstein’s Impact Key to Thunder’s Perfect Start**
As the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate a perfect 6-0 start to the 2025-26 regular season, head coach Mark Daigneault has been quick to highlight the significant contributions of center Isaiah Hartenstein. With injuries sidelining starters All-Star Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, Hartenstein’s role has become even more critical, especially in recent victories like the 101-94 win against the Dallas Mavericks.
“In the second half, in particular, he was excellent,” Daigneault said. “He really kind of changed the vibe out there with his screening and rolling, what he does on the glass, what he does defensively. He won us the Dallas game. It’s never about one person, but if you were to siphon out who had the most impact when the game was in the balance, he made massive plays in that game. He was outstanding.”
Hartenstein finished that game with an impressive stat line of 16 points, 12 rebounds, and two steals, further cementing his status as the defensive anchor in the frontcourt during Holmgren’s absence. This absence, which will extend to three consecutive games during Oklahoma City’s current three-game homestand, makes Hartenstein’s steady presence even more invaluable.
Coach Daigneault also reflected on Hartenstein’s continued growth: “He had a career year last year, mainly because of where he is in his career, and he’s poised to have another great year this year.”
Holmgren, who produced career bests last season with averages of 11.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game (2024-25), has started this season strong as well, contributing 10.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game for the Thunder.
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**Hartenstein Shows Support for Teammate Nikola Topic Amid Health Battle**
In addition to his on-court performance, Isaiah Hartenstein has also been vocal about the Thunder’s solidarity off the court, particularly concerning teammate Nikola Topic. Following the recent announcement by Thunder GM Sam Presti that Topic will begin chemotherapy after a testicular cancer diagnosis, Hartenstein expressed his support.
“The main thing is just being supportive,” Hartenstein said after Friday’s win against the Washington Wizards. “He’s been with us the last two years, and he’s been a great part of our team, even when he was hurt. It was always good to see him around.”
He continued, emphasizing the team’s unity: “Us as a team, rallying behind him — that’s what makes our team special. Sam brings in these people that no matter what someone’s going through, we’re going to be there for each other, and I think that’s just the biggest thing.”
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Looking ahead, the Thunder will close out their three-game homestand with a Sunday matinee against the New Orleans Pelicans, aiming to continue their undefeated streak and tie the franchise’s best start to a season. With players like Isaiah Hartenstein stepping up when it matters most, Oklahoma City’s hopeful momentum is clearly built on both skill and resilience.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder/thunder-news-why-mark-daigneault-believes-isaiah-hartenstein-won-game-mavericks