In the 2024-25 NBA season, the Oklahoma City Thunder rose to become the league’s most dominant team by overcoming formidable title contenders. They took command of the regular season, finishing at the top of the Western Conference standings. Despite boasting one of the most powerful rosters in the league, a Thunder player revealed which opponent posed the greatest challenge. Surprisingly, it was not the Indiana Pacers.
“I think the only series where we were kind of a little bit on the ropes was Denver (Nuggets). 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 said, via Paul George’s Podcast P.
For many fans, Isaiah’s statements came as a surprise since the Pacers pushed their series to a close Game 7. However, these comments also served as praise for Nikola Jokic. Despite not winning the MVP award or the Championship, the Serbian delivered the most complete season of his career. He averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists while making a significant impact across the court.
Furthermore, the Denver Nuggets made an impressive postseason run, even after parting ways with head coach Michael Malone shortly before the playoffs. Led by the exceptional Nikola Jokic, the team managed to solidify its roster across all positions. Despite facing criticism for its lack of depth on the bench, head coach David Adelman effectively rebuilt the roster, demonstrating his strategic prowess.
Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets brings the ball up the court during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Isaiah Hartenstein confessed that facing Nikola Jokic left him with many lessons. Among the most important was a change in his perspective on passing. “Looking off guys with your eyes, if a defender is not looking at you, you can kind of still throw it in front and they can still catch the ball,” he said, via Paul George’s Podcast P.
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Thunder’s Isaiah Hartenstein names the toughest players he has had to guard in his NBA career
While Nikola Jokic has delivered stellar performances in recent seasons, the Denver Nuggets have yet to build a roster competitive enough to claim the championship title. After their postseason exit, the Serbian star candidly expressed doubts about winning with the current lineup.
In response, the Nuggets have made strategic additions, bringing in players like Jonas Valanciunas, Cam Johnson, and Tim Hardaway Jr, who could have an immediate impact. They also strengthened their depth with Bruce Brown, Tamar Bates, and Curtis Jones. With these changes, the team is determined to make the necessary adjustments to pursue the elusive championship.
