During a recent interview, Isaiah Hartenstein praised his Thunder teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for being an MVP-caliber player.

Back on the court after missing five games with a left soleus strain, Isaiah Hartenstein posted a double-double, helping the Oklahoma City Thunder hold on for a win, 118-108, over the Portland Trail Blazers in Moda Center on Sunday.

Hartenstein (calf) finished with 14 points (5-6 FG, 4-9 FT), 11 rebounds, six assists and one block across 33 minutes during Sunday's 118-108 victory over the Trail Blazers.

Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 35 points as the Thunder grabbed a bounce-back 118-108 victory in Portland on Sunday to push their NBA-best record to 37-8.

Hartenstein finished with 14 points (5-6 FG, 4-9 FT), 11 rebounds, six assists and one block across 33 minutes during Sunday's 118-108 victory over the Trail Blazers.

Jan 26, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with guard Alex Caruso (9) during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Despite a recent loss to the Dallas Mavericks, the Oklahoma City Thunder still hold the best record in the NBA as they head to Portland to take on the Trail Blazers on Sunday.

LOS ANGELES – Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 35 points as the Thunder grabbed a bounce-back 118-108 victory in Portland on Jan 26 to push their National Basketball Association-best record to 37-8 but his teammate Isaiah Hartenstein said the Canadian’s defensive skills are underappreciated.