Knicks backup center Isaiah Hartenstein said he hasn’t been posterized in two years. A very nice streak that he’s looking to keep going.
The most recent dunk attempts he stopped was by Heat center Bam Adebayo and Suns wing Devin Booker. He blocked Adebayo’s dunk attempt in the 21-point comeback win over the Heat, and greeted Devin Booker at the rim as the Knicks rallied against the Suns in the fourth quarter.
“It feels good,” Hartenstein said. “I haven’t really gotten dunked on too much the last two years. Trying to keep my record pretty solid.”
The 25-year-old has done just that, as he’s currently averaging 0.5 blocks per game.
Hartenstein said he is fearless when he meets opponents at the rim.
“I’m not really scared of getting dunked on. If it happens it happens. I just want to help the team in any way possible, and if that’s contesting a dunk, I might get dunked on. Then so be it.”
It’s no surprise Hartenstein isn’t afraid of those moments. Everywhere he plays, he wins everyone over for his grit and toughness.
The big man has become a fan favorite in New York now too for his hustle, energy, determination, and blocking or altering shots at the rim. Some fans even call him “the Jokic of the East.”
Hartenstein doesn’t take that for granted.
“Means a lot to be honest. I play for New York, for the city and the fans that support us. So anytime they support the way I play it means a lot to me because they are a big reason I play the way I play.”
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Featured photo courtesy of the New York Knicks
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