Isaiah Hartenstein has mainly been a disappointing free agent signing for the Knicks heading into Tuesday night, whether it be due to his own play or how he has been deployed by the coaching staff.
Whatever the case, Hartenstein was in need of a boost, and he got a big one in The Garden, rising up to meet, and reject, Donovan Mitchell’s attempt at a game-tying dunk in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter to put a bow on one of New York’s biggest wins of the season.
Hartenstein finished with just four points, but more importantly, grabbed nine rebounds, dished out four assist, blocked two shots, and added a steal in his best game as a Knick.
“You kind of knew he was gonna take the last shot,” Hartenstein said of his block on Mitchell. “I was ready to help. If he dumped it off to Allen, it’s a 2, and we’re going to overtime. I was trying to not foul and make a play at the same time.”
Hartenstein’s four assists were perhaps one of the biggest takeaways from Tuesday’s dramatic victory. On the season, he is averaging 0.8 assists per game, after averaging 2.4 per game with the Clippers last season. In Los Angeles, Hartenstein was used more within the offense and moving the ball, whether it be in dribble hand offs or kick-outs. So far this season, he seems to be relied upon more as a finisher at the rim, not suited to his strengths. Many argue he has not been misused, but whatever the case, Hartenstein says he needs to improve and win over his new fanbase.
“[I’m] not playing as good as I’m supposed to be playing,” Hartenstein said, via Ian Begley of SNY. “I’m kind of letting the fans down, the city down a little bit…Keep getting better and keep representing for New York.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch
Listen live to WFAN:
Audacy App | Online Stream | Smart Speaker (just say ‘Play W-F-A-N’)