With the NBA Finals hanging in the balance, Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers is shaping up to be the most critical moment of the season. For the Thunder, it’s a do-or-die battle to capture their first-ever NBA championship. The stakes are higher than ever, and the pressure is mounting on a team that has fought hard to reach the final chapter of a grueling series.
Following Saturday’s practice, Thunder forward Isaiah Hartenstein spoke candidly about how he’s approaching the high-pressure situation. Surprisingly, he compared the intensity of Game 7 to the early struggles he faced during his professional journey.
“I think AC said last Game 7. I think my whole career has kind of been a Game 7. As weird as it sounds, I might have been more nervous going into training camp when I was on a training camp deal than now. That was where I was fighting, low-key, for my career,” Hartenstein said.
Isaiah Hartenstein said he was more nervous at the start of his career fighting to get in the NBA than he is for tomorrow: “My whole career has been a Game 7.” pic.twitter.com/PsZ7QeJyrZ
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) June 21, 2025
“Just those moments where you don’t understand it at the time kind of help you now navigate what I’m going through right now,” he added.
Isaiah Hartenstein Embraces Selfless Role In Thunder’s Championship Pursuit
Isaiah Hartenstein is proving that championship culture isn’t just built on talent. During a recent appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, the Thunder forward gave fans a glimpse into his selfless mentality as the team marches toward a potential NBA title.
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“I could play 1 minute, 40 minutes, touch the ball all game or not. If we’re winning, it doesn’t matter to me,” Hartenstein said.
Hartenstein’s journey hasn’t always been smooth. From bouncing between rosters to earning his place on a Finals contender, he knows the value of every minute on the floor. But instead of chasing numbers, he’s channeling that experience into supporting a team that now stands on the edge of a championship.
