Fri Jun 20 02:20:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein emphasizes the importance of matching and exceeding the Indiana Pacers’ desperation in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, despite holding a 3-2 lead. He acknowledges the champagne and cigars awaiting a Thunder victory but stresses the team’s focus on the immediate task at hand. Hartenstein highlights the Thunder’s maturity and resilient culture, fostered by the coach and management, and believes the team is prepared to overcome any obstacles.

**News Article:**

**Thunder’s Hartenstein Calls for ‘More Desperation’ in Finals Game 6**

INDIANAPOLIS – As the Oklahoma City Thunder stand on the precipice of their first NBA Championship, center Isaiah Hartenstein is urging his teammates to approach Game 6 against the Indiana Pacers with even greater desperation than their opponents.

Despite holding a 3-2 lead in the series, Hartenstein downplayed any complacency, emphasizing the need to match the Pacers’ expected intensity as they fight to keep their season alive. “They’re gonna come out with desperation…we’re gonna come out with the same, probably even more,” he said.

While acknowledging that champagne and cigars will be on ice at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, awaiting a potential Thunder victory, Hartenstein insisted that the team remains focused on the immediate task. He credited Coach Mark Daigneault and General Manager Sam Presti for establishing a resilient team culture, where many players have overcome personal obstacles in their careers and now thrive under pressure.

Hartenstein’s message underscores the Thunder’s commitment to finishing the series in Game 6, avoiding a potential Game 7 scenario back in Oklahoma City.

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