Isaiah Hartenstein is becoming more and more of an X factor in the NBA with the New York Knicks. The center helped the Knicks win against Memphis with another strong performance. Orlando suffered a defeat without the injured Franz Wagner, and Maxi Kleber also suffered a defeat in his comeback for the Mavericks. The Boston Celtics increased their home series to 19 wins in a row – and remain leaders in the East.
Isaiah Hartenstein caused a stir again for the New York Knicks with his next outstanding performance. The in-form center grabbed 20 rebounds in the 106:94 (53:57) win against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday evening (January 13, 2024, local time), the first time he had managed that many in his career. The 25-year-old also contributed twelve points and two assists to the victory.
Hartenstein with 20 rebounds – Knicks on course for the playoffs
“It wasn’t a good game for us in general,” said Hartenstein after the game: “The second half was better, but we have to play better. In fact, the first half was embarrassing.”
Hartenstein is currently particularly impressive in the NBA when working under the basket. Shortly after New Year’s Day he had recorded 20 rebounds against the Chicago Bulls, and a little later he had 19 against the Washington Wizards. The Knicks are in a good position in sixth place in the Eastern Conference and making it into the playoffs is quite realistic this season.
Bankruptcy for Orlando – Franz Wagner still injured
The Orlando Magic, two places behind the Knicks, are also still in the playoff race. Orlando had to accept a 100:112 (40:49) defeat at the Oklahoma City Thunder without Franz Wagner, who still had an ankle injury. Franz’s brother Moritz had four points, four rebounds and two assists.
Meanwhile, Maximilian Kleber made his comeback for the Dallas Mavericks after a two-month injury break. In the 108:118 (54:49) defeat against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Würzburger came off the bench and ended up with two points, two rebounds and one in the box score. Superstar Luka Doncic was once again missing from Dallas due to an ankle injury.
Celtics with 19 home wins in a row
The Boston Celtics remain a home power. The 145:113 (69:58) against the Houston Rockets was the 19th win in the 19th game in a row in their own stadium. This means the Celtics are still at the top in the East.
Much ado about boos for Krause at the Chicago Bulls
The discordant sounds at the Chicago Bulls’ ceremony also caused a huge stir afterwards. At the induction of the first members into the famous NBA basketball club’s Ring of Honor on Friday evening during halftime of the Bulls’ home game against the Golden State Warriors, the late former general manager Jerry Krause was booed when his name was mentioned. Krause’s widow Thelma experienced the undignified and embarrassing moment in the arena.
Bulls champion player: Steve Kerr: ‘Absolutely disgraceful’
Visiting coach Steve Kerr was bitterly disappointed by the incident. “For me this is absolutely shameful and I am deeply dismayed,” said Kerr, who won three titles with the Bulls as a professional and is part of the new circle of honor. He feels sorry for Thelma and the Krause family. “Chicago is a sports town, this was the worst thing I’ve ever seen,” said former Bulls player Stacey King, now an NBC pundit.
Krause, GM from 1985 to 2003, was the architect behind icon Michael Jordan’s six championships for the Bulls in the 1990s, but is blamed by many for the team’s disintegration. “His legacy deserves to be celebrated and respected,” Bulls CEO Michael Reinsdorf said in a statement.
2024-01-14 08:19:47
#NBA #Hartenstein #shines #York #Knicks
