After Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder middle Isaiah Hartenstein addressed ESPN’s Stephen A Smith for dissing him whereas he was with the New York Knicks, the veteran middle mirrored on his postseason journey to changing into an NBA champion. From one grueling seven-game sequence in opposition to the Denver Nuggets to a do-or-die Recreation 7 within the NBA Finals in opposition to the Indiana Pacers, the Thunder earned its title by a pair of must-wins. Isaiah mentioned the variations.
For Hartenstein, the Nuggets not solely pushed the Thunder to the brink, however gave Oklahoma Metropolis the impression that even at its best possible, three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and the 2023 NBA champions nonetheless had an opportunity, he mentioned, whereas breaking down the variations between the Pacers and the Nuggets, per Podcast P with Paul George.
“I feel they have been actually spectacular. They play their model it doesn’t matter what. I feel the largest one, simply taking part in in opposition to them, was Rick Carlisle,” Hartenstein mentioned. “The principle factor for them is simply the well timed timeouts — the well timed changes. I feel that was probably the most spectacular factor.”
Carlisle will get the very best out of the Pacers’ gamers. Nonetheless, Jokic and the Nuggets instilled real worry in Hartenstein and the Thunder.
“The entire crew performs the identical means. They’re simply by no means stopping,” Hartenstein added. “It was undoubtedly a tricky sequence. I feel, typically, we have been at all times assured all through the sequence. I feel the one sequence the place we have been type of slightly bit in opposition to the ropes was Denver — simply Jokic. The best way they play. They’ve been there earlier than, and that’s in all probability the one sequence the place we have been like, even when we do all the things proper, they in all probability nonetheless have an opportunity.
“Each different sequence we have been like, if we do the suitable issues, we’re good,” Hartenstein concluded.
Isaiah Hartenstein addresses Stephen A Smith after Thunder title
Thunder middle Isaiah Hartenstein inked a $87 million contract for 3 years final summer time, understanding he was becoming a member of a championship-contender after coming off a playoff run with the New York Knicks. Throughout his stint with the Knicks, ESPN’s Stephen A Smith questioned his elevated function, which ultimately obtained again to Hartenstein.
“I used to be a giant a part of the crew on the time,” Hartenstein mentioned of his function in New York. “Humorous factor is, he got here again to be on the Finals like, “Bro, I miss you in New York.” So, we’re cool.”
From a G League standout to beginning for a championship crew, Hartenstein has come a good distance.