Isaiah Hartenstein missed both of his shot attempts in Sunday's 130-109 loss to the Pacers, going scoreless with eight rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one blocked shot in 30 minutes.
Analysis: The Knicks didn't count on Hartenstein for consistent scoring, but his production dropped considerably as their second-round series progressed. The 7-footer went scoreless in Game 7 and did not attempt more than three shots in any of the final four games. Give Myles Turner and the Pacers credit for taking away Hartenstein's beloved floater, and they did a better job of keeping him off the glass after iHart grabbed 17 rebounds in Game 5. Hartenstein earned himself a nice payday once he hits free agency this summer. The question is whether or not the Knicks will offer a contract that is large enough to keep him in the fold. With Mitchell Robinson's injury history, it may take a lot for the Knicks not to get iHart re-signed.
Isaiah Hartenstein corrals 12 offensive rebounds
Isaiah Hartenstein dominated the boards in Tuesday's Game 5 win over the Pacers, grabbing 17 to go along with seven points (2-of-3 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs), five assists, and one blocked shot in 31 minutes.
Analysis: After he and the Knicks failed to bring the required energy to the court in Game 4 on Sunday, Hartenstein was outstanding on Tuesday. The 7-footer, who stands to command a hefty contract in free agency this summer, grabbed 12 of New York's 20 offensive rebounds and finished with 17 overall. Hartenstein's 12 offensive boards tied a franchise playoff record that Charles Oakley initially held. With Tuesday's 30-point victory, the Knicks will take a 3-2 series lead to Indiana for Game 6 on Friday night.
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