The Oklahoma City Thunder came into Miami with momentum and a strong track record against Eastern Conference teams, but they left South Beach with a 122-120 loss-and a glaring issue that’s becoming harder to ignore.
Let’s talk about rebounding. Or more accurately, the lack of it.
Despite the close score, the Thunder were outworked on the glass in a way that simply can’t be overlooked. Miami attempted a staggering 111 shots in regulation.
That’s not a typo. The Heat had 34 more field goal attempts than OKC, and that kind of possession disparity is usually a death sentence in a tight game.
Some of that came down to Miami's disciplined ball control, but the real backbreaker was second-chance opportunities. The Heat pulled down 21 offensive rebounds-21!
That’s not just a bad night. That’s a trend.
Over the past month, the Thunder have been getting bullied on the boards. And it’s no coincidence that this stretch lines up with Isaiah Hartenstein’s extended absence.
He’s now missed 11 straight games due to a second soleus strain this season, after previously missing six with the same injury. Without him, OKC is missing a physical presence in the paint who can clean up the glass and give them some much-needed interior toughness.
Hartenstein has been doing some light jogging during recent shootarounds, which is a promising sign. But with soleus injuries-especially a recurring one-there’s no rushing back.
The Thunder are taking the cautious route, and rightly so. They need him healthy for the long haul, not just a quick fix.
Head coach Mark Daigneault spoke about Hartenstein’s recovery, and it’s clear the big man has earned respect within the locker room for how he’s handled the setback.
“He’s just a pro,” Daigneault said. “Even if you look at his NBA career, he’s had a lot of different experiences that he’s had to endure.
He's had success. He's had times he's had to grind it out.
He applies all of those experiences to the circumstances he’s in at any given moment. He does a great job of being very present in whatever is going on, including right now.”
That kind of mindset matters-especially for a team looking to make noise in the West. But mindset only gets you so far when you’re giving up 21 offensive boards in a single game.
The timing is even more concerning with Jalen Williams picking up a thigh injury during the Miami game. If he misses time, the Thunder’s already-thin frontcourt depth takes another hit.
Hartenstein’s numbers this season-11.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, and three assists in 24 games-don’t just look good on paper. They reflect the kind of impact player who helps win the gritty, possession-based battles that define playoff basketball. And right now, OKC is losing those battles.
The Thunder are taking it day by day with Hartenstein. He hasn’t played since Dec. 28, when he went down in a win over the Sixers.
They’ll continue to monitor his progress carefully, but there’s no question: they need him back. The sooner, the better.