The Oklahoma City Thunder secured their first NBA championship in June 2025, a historic victory that drew widespread attention, especially after the franchise locked in key players Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with long-term contracts. Amid the celebration, backup center Isaiah Hartenstein spoke on Paul George‘s Podcast P, revealing that despite their success, the Thunder faced their greatest challenge in Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets during the playoffs.

Hartenstein credited Thunder head coach Rick Carlisle for putting up tough resistance during the Finals but emphasized that the team felt confident facing other opponents like the Pacers. The Nuggets, led by Jokic, proved to be a different level of competition for the Thunder.

Thunder’s Playoff Journey Highlighted by Clash With Jokic’s Nuggets

Isaiah Hartenstein identified the Nuggets as the only playoff series where the Thunder felt truly pressured. He described Denver’s experience and the talent of Nikola Jokic as formidable obstacles that forced the Thunder to acknowledge the possibility of defeat despite executing their game plan perfectly.

I think the only series where we were kind of a little bit on the ropes was Denver. I think Denver was the only series where– I mean that, just Jokic. I mean, the way they play, they’ve been there before, and that was probably the only series where we were like ‘even if we do everything right, they probably still have a chance.’ Every other series, we were like, if we do the right things, we’re good.

—Isaiah Hartenstein, OKC Thunder Backup Center

This acknowledgment underscores how Nikola Jokic’s presence altered the dynamic of the playoffs, forcing the Thunder to elevate their performances in that series more than any other.

Lessons Learned From Facing Nikola Jokic in High-Stakes Games

Beyond recognizing Jokic’s challenge, Hartenstein shared insights into what he personally gained from competing against the Nuggets star. He highlighted Jokic’s exceptional passing ability, noting how the subtle nuances of his style changed the way he viewed the game.

So, just like little details, where I was a good passer, but it kind of took me to another level where I see the game differently, and I know how to manipulate the game to in kind of my benefit in that aspect. But he’s so smart in the game. I mean, his IQ is off the charts.

—Isaiah Hartenstein, OKC Thunder Backup Center

Even playing against him in the playoffs, it felt like he was coaching like he’s the coach on the court. I mean, he’ll tell people where to go. He’ll tell what kind of players what to do. And so, he’s just his IQ is off the charts.

—Isaiah Hartenstein, OKC Thunder Backup Center

Hartenstein appreciated Jokic’s court vision and leadership, which elevated the Nuggets’ overall performance and made them a relentless opponent despite the Thunder’s championship momentum. These attributes were reflected in Jokic’s impressive averages of 28.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists during the series against Oklahoma City.

Nuggets’ Star Pursued Redemption After Triple-Double Historic Season

Nikola Jokic entered the playoffs on the heels of a remarkable regular season where he became just the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire campaign. As Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the race for the Michael Jordan regular season MVP award that year, Jokic entered the postseason with a chip on his shoulder, eyeing redemption.

Unfortunately for the Nuggets, injuries to key players like Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. weakened their lineup, limiting their chances against the Thunder. The series highlighted what a fully healthy Denver roster could have potentially achieved and sparked debate on whether Jokic’s team might have overcome Oklahoma City in a seven-game series under better conditions.

This scenario remains a topic of discussion among analysts and fans, pondering the impact of a complete roster on the outcome of intense playoff matchups.

Player Perspectives on NBA’s Current Top Talent

In the broader basketball conversation, star recruit Cooper Flagg voiced his belief that Nikola Jokic outperforms Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the best player in the league. This adds another layer to the ongoing rivalry between these elite athletes, whose playoff battles have captivated basketball audiences.

As the Thunder prepare for future seasons, the lessons learned from facing a high basketball IQ player like Jokic will undoubtedly influence their strategies and development. Meanwhile, Denver aims to recover their full strength to once again challenge for supremacy in upcoming campaigns.