The OKC Thunder had an excellent roster that helped them win the 2025 NBA championship.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander claimed the Finals MVP trophy for his brilliance in opposition to the Indiana Pacers, however there have been very important performances from gamers like Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams and some different position gamers on the OKC Thunder.
The group had probably the most elite defensive models within the league anchored by Alex Caruso, who additionally put up two 20 level video games within the NBA Finals.
Holmgren was criticized for his poor outings in a number of video games, however he turned up in Recreation 7 when his group wanted him essentially the most.
In the meantime, Williams, who endured a wrist damage even earlier than the playoffs, put up an awesome efficiency all through the postseason to assist the Thunder get to a win.
Nevertheless, LA Lakers participant LeBron James believes there may be one other key weapon that helped the Thunder considerably.
Isaiah Hartenstein was the free company transfer from the final offseason that propelled the Thunder to be the favorites to win all of it.
His marketing campaign began late as a result of an damage, however from the second he took the courtroom for the Thunder, it was clear the middle was going to be a key piece for them.
From his protection to passing, OKC benefited lots from his presence on the courtroom.
Talking on ‘Thoughts the Recreation’ podcast, James identified what made Hartenstein a key participant for the Thunder. He stated: “Particularly within the postseason when the sport ramps up bodily, to have the ability to have an enormous as a hub, ‘Okay you strain me strain me, okay you cease me, now you’ll be able to’t seize me then’ Now I can return door, which Hartenstein can.
“We all know he can try this with one of the best of them. You’ll be able to play chase with him. Now he’s probably the greatest display screen setters within the league and now Shai’s coming off or J-Dub is coming off, if the massive comes up an excessive amount of and the guard ain’t get underneath harsh menace, you bought a lob menace, or we received skip the nook.
“Having that hub proper there, having a 5 that may play from the three-point line all the best way into the paint and such as you stated, he don’t even must shoot threes. He know his sport. ‘You give it to me within the pinch put up, you give it to me on delay motion, y’all belief me to make the fitting play.’”
Steve Nash additionally picked Hartenstein because the Thunder’s key participant of the championship win.
He stated: “The important thing to me is Hartenstein in a manner. Trigger for 20 to half-hour in a sport turns into like a fulcrum, a hub. The DHO’s, the floater, the passing. It’s just like the rug that brings the room collectively.”
Sam Presti heaped reward on Hartenstein in his postseason interview, together with Caruso, giving the 2 veterans reward for his or her contributions.
Hartenstein particularly, got here to the Thunder after a profitable time with the New York Knicks.
He was probably the greatest rebounding bigs within the league, however Hartenstein proved to be greater than that in his first season with the Thunder.
The 27-year-old had been within the league for seven years earlier than transferring to OKC, however final season was his finest ever.
He averaged 11.7 PPG, 10.7 RPG, and three.8 APG, all profession bests for him.
After having gained the championship, the Thunder are actually properly set as much as repeat as champions.
They’ve already signed Gilgeous-Alexander to an enormous cash extension, with Holmgren and Williams additionally anticipated to conform to offers quickly.
Hartenstein has two extra years left on his deal, with the ultimate 12 months being a group choice.
He will likely be a participant the Thunder will likely be seeking to carry on their roster as his brilliance in doing a number of issues is vital to their performances.
