Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein leave during Thunder’s victory over the Knicks.
NEW YORK — In the latest setback during a season filled with challenges for the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, both Alex Caruso (left hip contusion) and Isaiah Hartenstein (left calf tightness) were declared out during the team’s 103-100 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
“They were just ruled out for the remainder of the game,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault stated. “We’ll assess them tomorrow, but they weren’t returning once they exited.”
Both players were sidelined midway through the fourth quarter of a Thunder victory that increased their lead over the San Antonio Spurs for the top position in the Western Conference to 3.5 games.
Caruso went for a loose ball with 4:05 remaining in the third quarter and subsequently fell to the floor. He appeared to be in discomfort as he gradually limped to the locker room. He did not return to the bench.
After the game, Caruso mentioned he felt a bit sore but otherwise was okay. He noted that he believed he was struck on the hip while airborne.
Hartenstein has already missed two separate periods this season due to a left calf issue, including 16 games following the second incident in late December. He was absent from Tuesday’s game in Chicago, along with reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, for injury management. Against the Knicks, he played only 17 minutes, finishing without points and not attempting a shot, while collecting five rebounds.
“He was on the bench and then I was informed he was out,” Daigneault said, “so it was definitely based on how he felt when he went over there. I can’t say if there was a specific incident or if it was acute.”
Oklahoma City has faced a series of injuries throughout the season. Jalen Williams (hamstring strain) and Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain, ankle sprain) are currently unavailable, and Gilgeous-Alexander and Hartenstein, among others, have dealt with various injuries.
Despite these challenges, the Thunder have retained their position at the top of the Western Conference due to their impressive 24-1 start to the season. Following Wednesday’s victory, which was led by Chet Holmgren (28 points, 8 rebounds) and Gilgeous-Alexander (26 points, 8 assists), they have now secured four consecutive wins and eight out of their last 10 games.
