Isaiah Hartenstein reacts to jaw-dropping dime to Jalen Williams in route of Kings

Coming into his debut campaign with the OKC Thunder, Isaiah Hartenstein was quite open and public about his confidence in the distribution game, going as far as to label himself as "one of the best passers in the NBA" during his introductory presser back in July.

Though some may have seen these comments as a bit overzealous and exaggerative, since being medically cleared to return to play following a month-long rehab on a fractured left hand it seems as though Oklahoma City fans are beginning to realize that the big man's lofty claims carry some merit.

Monday's bout against the Sacramento Kings, specifically, provided spectators a tremendous example of just how good of a dime-dropper I-Hart can be, as he dished out a jaw-dropping, behind-the-back assist to a cutting Jalen Williams to help push the Thunder lead to 15 late in the fourth period.

The pass caught the attention of fans, pundits, and teammates alike, with superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander calling it "a big moment in the game" during his post-game presser.

During his own media session, Hartenstein opened up about his perspective on the highlight play to J-Dub, and, in a rather selfless manner, praised the forward's crucial instinct to cut rather than focus on his personal part in the exchange.

Thunder big Isaiah Hartenstein talks highlight pass to Jalen Williams

"I just knew [Jalen] was there. I just knew Dub had me. I just hoped and prayed he was going to be there. He never lets me down... It was a good play," Hartenstein said with a smirk.

What's perhaps most important to realize about Hartenstein's behind-the-back artistry is the fact that this isn't even the first time he's dished out such a pass during his short-lived time in OKC threads.

During last Wednesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, he dished it in such a fashion twice in a row late in the third period, though the flashy setup would unfortunately not lead to a score due, in large, to what many believed to have been a lack of familiarity with his style of play and timing among his teammates.

Fortunately, he and J-Dub seemed to be on the same page during Oklahoma City's 130-109 route over Sacramento. Of course, this was far from the only impactful play the big man was a part of.

In his 31 minutes of action on the night, Hartenstein finished as a +18 in the box plus-minus department (second-best in the game) while recording 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists on 60.0 percent shooting from the floor.

The newly minted $87 million man has proven himself to be well worth the investment for the Thunder during his short-lived tenure thus far.

While he may have originally been brought on to provide much-needed size, strength, and rebounding efforts down low, with every passing day it's becoming apparent that he's more than just a big-bodied presence, and Oklahoma City is fortunately reaping these rewards.