The Oklahoma City Thunder are coming off a historic NBA season, capped by a championship victory over the Indiana Pacers. While stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren grabbed most of the headlines, one of the team’s most underrated contributors was center Isaiah Hartenstein. Recently, the 27-year-old big man opened up about the toughest players he’s had to defend in the league.
Appearing on Gil’s Arena, Hartenstein named Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic as his two most difficult matchups. The Thunder center explained how each superstar presents a different kind of challenge, making them uniquely difficult to guard on any given night.
“When Joel was healthy, just straight one-on-one, I think Joel Embiid,” Hartenstein said, via HoopsHype. “It’s hard because you can’t really be physical with him — he’s good at drawing fouls, so strong, and can score from all angles.”
As for Jokic, Hartenstein pointed to the Denver Nuggets star’s elite playmaking as the key differentiator. “Nikola Jokic is just hard to guard because he’s so good at passing,” he explained. “Joel is more about direct post-ups, but with Jokic, you can’t really play team defense because he’ll pick you apart with his vision. So I think those are the two hardest I’ve had to guard — but in different ways.”
Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder finishes a slam dunk during the first half of game five of the Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets at Paycom Center on May 13, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Hartenstein’s crucial role in Thunder’s title run
Since signing a three-year, $87 million deal with the Thunder last summer, Hartenstein has emerged as a central figure in Oklahoma City’s success. In his debut season with the team, he averaged 11.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, bringing consistent production and toughness in the paint.
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In Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Pacers, Hartenstein delivered a gritty performance, posting seven points and nine rebounds to help secure the championship. His interior defense and rebounding were instrumental in the Thunder’s playoff run, especially as they battled through multiple seven-game series.
One of those came in the Western Conference Semifinals, when the Thunder faced Jokic and the Nuggets. That series went the distance, and Jokic delivered a spectacular stretch of performances. For many, the Serbian star remains the best player in the world, and it’s no surprise Hartenstein identified him as a nightmare matchup.
Whether it’s Jokic’s unpredictable passing or Embiid’s physical dominance, Hartenstein’s insight offers a glimpse into what it takes to defend the game’s elite big men. And as the Thunder look to repeat next season, his ability to handle those matchups will remain as vital as ever.
