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.

During the 2022 offseason, Jalen Brunson and Isaiah Hartenstein both joined the New York Knicks together. Brunson was coming off a career year with the Dallas Mavericks while Hartenstein had a strong season with the Los Angeles Clippers.

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.

Towns earned 1.1 million votes, the third-highest amount in the Eastern Conference behind Boston Celtics champion Jayson Tatum and Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. His teammate, who plays in a big market like New York, noticed the difference.

Jalen Brunson had 27 points and five assists. He shot 12-of-12 from the free-throw line. Karl-Anthony Towns turned in a 23-point and 10-rebound double-double. Josh Hart had a 16-point and 10-rebound double-double. Bridges and OG Anunoby combined for four points.

Karl-Anthony Towns likely is the player the Knicks can least do without, especially with Mitchell Robinson still unable to practice.

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 ...

As he prepares to make his return to Madison Square Garden, Isaiah Hartenstein won't stop gushing about the New York Knicks' past. Even though it's no longer hi