I-Hart still hearts the New York Knicks. Chasing a big contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder may sullied his reputation among some Manhattanites, but Isaiah H

Isaiah Hartenstein demonstrated what the role could be at its peak. The job as the Knicks’ backup center — at the time occupying the spot behind an injury-prone Mitchell Robinson on the depth chart — could serve as a launchpad to an $87 million deal in free agency. To pricing out of the Knicks’ maximum offer due to the early Bird rights.

It was a happy return to Manhattan for Isaiah Hartenstein, whose Oklahoma City Thunder dismantled the Knicks by a 126-101 final on Friday night at Madison Square Garden. The Western Conference-leading Thunder earned a two-game sweep of the Knicks after previously prevailing in a 117-107 home win last weekend.

With an opportunity to defeat his former team, Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein provided the keys to beat the Knicks twice in one week. Coming off a 129-122 loss to the league-leading Cavs, the Thunder saw their epic 15-game win streak end. Hartenstein spoke to reporters during the team shootaround.

The New York Knicks knew that trading for stars like Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges would be a massive gamble while moving on from several key stalwarts from last season's playoff run. The point of gambling, though, is the chance to come out as a big winner.

Twenty-one games into his tenure with Oklahoma City, Isaiah has adapted. Still, playing at Madison Square Garden for the first time since Hartenstein signed a three-year deal, $87 million contract with the Thunder, the venue Isaiah called home for two seasons, is unique.

Friday night marked Isaiah Hartenstein’s first time back at The Garden since leaving the Knicks this offseason, and the hometown crowd was sure to give him a warm welcome.

With trade season officially opening on Jan. 15—when 90% of the league becomes eligible for deals—the Knicks face a pivotal moment. Every decision carries weight, and in a league where the line between contender and pretender is razor-thin, there’s little room for error.

Isaiah Hartenstein and the Oklahoma City Thunder outscored their opponent 37-19 in the final frame of their 117-107 win against the New York Knicks. Aaron Wiggins supplied 12 of the Thunder’s ...

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 27 points and 10 assists in three quarters, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Brooklyn Nets 127-101 on Sunday night. Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA’s leading scorer, sat out Friday’s loss at Dallas with a sprained right wrist.

"The Rematch" resulted in the Cavaliers' worst loss. Trailing by as many as 42 points, Cleveland's league-best offense suddenly stopped producing points. Donovan Mitchell continues to struggle against the Thunder. Meanwhile, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen were no-shows.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 27 points and 10 assists in three quarters, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Brooklyn Nets 127-101 on Sunday night. Gilgeous-Alexander,