Isaiah Hartenstein Had A 30-Piece, So Jaylin Williams Celebrated In The Most Hilarious Way

At this point, NBA fans know that post-game interviews with the Oklahoma City Thunder are a danger zone. When it comes to pranks and shenanigans in these sessions with the media, no one is safe. Not the reporters, the fans, or even the players themselves.

Last Friday, the latest victim of post-game media availability was Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein. On a night when he pulled off a double-double with 33 points and 19 rebounds, Hartenstein had the honor of being interviewed by OKC sideline reporter Nick Gallo. After the German big man responded to Gallo’s question, the reporter turned to Hartenstein’s teammate Jaylin Williams.

What ensued was a sneak attack that left Hartenstein soaking wet.

Apparently, Williams’ question about a certain Hartenstein play was only a ruse to distract the seven-foot giant. With Hartenstein preoccupied by Williams, injured Thunder players Jalen “J-Dub” Williams and Lu Dort poured out bottles of water on his head, causing him to clutch his hair and walk off in retreat.

As reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander used a towel to wipe the mess, Hartenstein circled back to Gallo. “I’m done,” he commented before heading to the locker room.

Hardly anyone raises their eyebrows at these antics anymore, as the Thunder proved that they could mix hilarity with excellence on the court by winning the NBA title last season. The players featured prominently in that clip are all business when they play their roles: Gilgeous-Alexander as the focal point of attack, J-Dub as a primary gunner, Dort as the premier defender, Hartenstein as the rim protector, and Williams as the energy guy off the bench.

This season, J-Dub has yet to make his debut, and Dort has missed time as well. Still, the defending champions lead the league with an impressive 9–1 record. Just like last season, the Thunder tops the NBA in defensive rating, along with other categories like opponents’ points in the paint and opponents’ fastbreak points.

Hartenstein, of course, has a lot to do with that, as he consistently imposes his will in the paint along with fellow seven-footer Chet Holmgren. By all accounts, Hartenstein is happy to do his job, even if it means getting doused by some fun-loving teammates every now and then.