The Milwaukee Bucks are targeted on stopping Shai Gilgeous-Alexander within the NBA Cup closing. They’re getting torched by Isaiah Hartenstein as an alternative.
Hartenstein made his first 4 photographs early because the Oklahoma City Thunder jumped out to an early lead. The Bucks had been enjoying heart Brook Lopez in drop protection, and Hartenstein responded by dropping in floaters a dozen toes from the basket.
With a lot defensive concentrate on SGA, the Thunder responded by working pick-and-rolls and dribble handoffs with the large Hartenstein getting OKC’s guards free. First he obtained SGA an open jumper to begin the scoring. On the following play, Hartenstein punished the protection for sticking to Gilgeous-Alexander by rolling for a dunk.
In six minutes, Hartenstein had eight factors, two rebounds and a steal. He left the sport with Oklahoma Metropolis main 18-11, then the Bucks went on an 11-5 run when he sat. Hartenstein is the Thunder’s sole true massive man with Chet Holmgren nonetheless sidelined, which is invaluable towards Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
For the primary quarter, Hartenstein tied SGA with a game-high 10 factors. The Bucks might should rethink which participant they’re most afraid of.