Obi Toppin, Isaiah Hartenstein get technicals in NBA Finals Game 4
Share and Follow

Emotions got high between two former Knicks on Friday night.

During the Thunder’s 111-104 victory in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Obi Toppin and Isaiah Hartenstein clashed following a tough foul by Toppin on Alex Caruso, the guard for Oklahoma City.

Toppin, 27, received a flagrant 1 after stiff-arming Caruso to the ground while the 31-year-old was driving in for a layup midway through the second quarter.

Hartenstein, 27, rushed over to confront Toppin shortly after the play, with the pair having to be held back by referees after the Brooklyn native shoved the Thunder center.

After the officials eventually broke up the altercation, both Toppin and Hartenstein were issued technicals following a review.

Toppin, who was drafted by the Knicks with the No. 8 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, was dealt to Indiana for two future second-round picks ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Both were teammates on the Knicks during the 2022-23 season during Hartenstein’s first of two seasons with the team.

The Knicks ultimately let Hartenstein walk during last year’s free agency, when he signed a three-year deal worth $87 million with the Thunder, a contract that he believed ended up working out for both sides.

“It was smart,” Hartenstein said before a game between the Knicks and Thunder in January. “I think it was for both parties, it was perfect. I’m in a situation here where it’s going really good. They got a great center, one of the best centers in the league.

“So I think for both parties it was perfect. Knowing Leon Rose, he’ll always find something. He’s been doing a great job, so he made the right adjustment.”

Despite the Knicks only offering Hartenstein a four-year contract worth $72 million, the big man insisted that he did not leave solely for the money.

“I think I’m getting the ball a little bit more now. In the league, you just have to find your roles and every situation your role is different,” he said. “Kind of New York it was [different]. My usage went up more at the end, but I was just trying to figure out a role and that was playing defense, rebounding, getting Jalen [Brunson] open, getting other guys open looks.

“And so I think you just have to adjust to the role. Here, the role is getting the ball a little bit more.”

Hartenstein finished the win with two points, two assists and six rebounds as the Thunder tied up the series at two games apiece.

Toppin dropped in 17 points with seven assists in the Indiana loss.

Game 5 will be held in Oklahoma City on Monday night.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
‘I don’t see this as getting better’: Data centers fuel concern over water, energy use, air pollution

Data Centers’ Environmental Impact: Unveiling the Water and Energy Crisis

Nestled between expansive agricultural fields and the stunning Great Lakes, Port…
Research reveals health impacts of fluoride… as RFK Jr calls for ban

Study Unveils Fluoride’s Health Effects Amid RFK Jr.’s Call for Prohibition

A comprehensive new study has confirmed that the addition of fluoride to…
Nicki Minaj risks losing her $20m mansion over unpaid judgment sum

Nicki Minaj Faces $20M Mansion Foreclosure: Unpaid Judgment Threatens Lavish Home

Nicki Minaj has been mandated to pay a sum of $503,000 after…
Jacksonville mother seeks answers one year after daughter drowned following crash

Jacksonville Mother Continues Search for Truth One Year After Daughter’s Tragic Drowning Post-Crash

The family of Jareesha Wilkerson continues to search for clarity about her…
2026 Oscars nominations: See the full list of nominees for the 98th annual Academy Awards

Unveiling 2026 Oscars Nominees: Discover the Stars and Films Vying for Glory at the 98th Academy Awards

Los Angeles is buzzing with excitement as nomination day for the 2026…
Oscars: Complete list of nominees for the 98th Academy Awards

Academy Awards 2025: Discover the Full List of 98th Oscars Nominees

“Sinners” has achieved a milestone with an unprecedented 16 Oscar nominations. WASHINGTON…
Arrest made in connection to stabbing at Brunswick home, police say

Police Arrest Suspect Linked to Brunswick Home Stabbing Incident

Grace Freeman, aged 33, is currently facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault,…
4-year-old boy left in cold after being dropped off by school bus driver on South Side, CPS parent Rashia Pickett says

Outrage as CPS School Bus Driver Leaves 4-Year-Old Alone in Cold: South Side Parent Demands Answers

In a troubling incident that has left a Chicago mother demanding answers,…