Shams: Hartenstein to sign 3-year deal with OKC

Williams shone in Game 7, recording his first double-double of these playoffs. Given the struggles of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein (seven points, five rebounds and one steal), JayWill’s production was one reason why the Thunder had a chance late. Williams has not been a consistent option for fantasy managers during his time in Oklahoma City, but that could change next season. Hartenstein has a team option worth $28.5 million, while new deals for Holmgren and Jalen Williams will begin. The salary cap situation could make JayWill someone whom the Thunder have to rely on more in 2026-27.

Hartenstein reached double figures for the second time this series, but his defensive efforts weren’t enough to keep Victor Wembanyama from dominating Game 4. And it doesn’t help that Chet Holmgren has been largely underwhelming, with Sunday’s defeat evening the series at two games apiece going into Tuesday’s Game 5. Hartenstein logged 17 minutes in Game 4, due partly to things getting out of hand during the latter stages of the third quarter. His playing time should crack the twenties on Tuesday if things are competitive throughout.

Williams is set to miss Game 3 after leaving Wednesday’s Game 2 after playing just seven minutes due to a hamstring injury. The 25-year-old forward suffered the initial injury in the first round series against the Suns. In Williams’ absence, Jared McCain, Isaiah Joe and Isaiah Hartenstein all saw increased roles and that should be the case again in Game 3.

Hartenstein had a much better showing on Wednesday after posting two points in 12 minutes in Game 1’s loss. He was rewarded more than double the playing time in Game 2, thanks to solid scoring production and tremendous work on the offensive glass. His contributions were impactful and led to a double-double No. 2 of the postseason. OKC will need more of the same from Hartenstein going forward.

While his final stat line in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals was not notable, Wallace’s playing time was. The third-year guard logged 28 minutes in the double-overtime thriller and replaced Isaiah Hartenstein in the lineup to begin the third quarter. Hartenstein was limited to 12 minutes on Monday, finishing with two points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and two blocks. The playing time is something to keep an eye on for Game 2, especially if the Spurs have De’Aaron Fox after a right ankle injury sidelined him for Game 1.

Holmgren was one of seven Thunder players, five being starters, to finish the 131-108 victory in double figures. While he could not extend his streak of games with at least 20 points to four, the Thunder forward/center was once again impactful on both ends of the floor. Isaiah Hartenstein also played well, contributing 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal. With Saturday’s victory, the Thunder became the first defending champion since Cleveland in 2017 to start the following postseason with seven consecutive victories.

Holmgren came out hot in Game 1, scoring 13 points in the first quarter. He didn’t offer much production after that, but the Thunder really didn’t need much from him. Holmgren’s final line only lacked an assist, and he was one of three starters to block two shots. Oklahoma City’s bigs were excellent defensively, with Isaiah Hartenstein (eight points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks) and Jaylin Williams (five points, four rebounds, two assists, four steals and one three-pointer) joining Holmgren in recording at least two “stocks.” Holmgren is one of the finalists for Defensive Player of the Year, joining San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama and Detroit’s Ausar Thompson.

With the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference secured earlier this week, the Thunder’s priority has been getting their rotation players to full strength. No Holmgren, Hartenstein or JayWill means that Branden Carlson and Kenrich Williams will play significant minutes on Sunday, as was the case in Friday’s loss to the Nuggets.

Hartenstein and Joe are among the several Thunder players who have been ruled out of Friday’s matchup with the Nuggets. OKC officially clinched homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs after defeating the Clippers on Wednesday. Friday’s game, however, could affect the Nuggets’ standing in the Western Conference standings.

The Thunder were able to limit the playing time of Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein (five rebounds, two assists and one steal), with the former logging 22 minutes and the latter ten. Cason Wallace (5/2/3/3) replaced Hartenstein in the lineup to begin the third quarter, and Oklahoma City’s available regulars were pretty much done by the end of the third quarter. Hopefully, that bodes well for Holmgren and Hartenstein’s availability for Wednesday’s game against the Clippers.