Wed Oct 22 01:40:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

Isaiah Hartenstein and the Oklahoma City Thunder are entering the new NBA season as champions and targets. Hartenstein will receive his championship ring and aims for a repeat title, something Dirk Nowitzki never achieved. Despite being favorites, Hartenstein emphasizes the team starts anew, acknowledging the pressure of being the hunted. The Thunder boasts a strong roster and MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Hartenstein spent his offseason resting and promoting basketball in Germany, including enjoying German Döner. He trained hard with his father and teammate Chet Holmgren in Los Angeles, preparing for the upcoming season.

News Article:

Hartenstein and Thunder Begin Title Defense, Eye Second Ring

OKLAHOMA CITY – Fresh off their NBA championship victory, Isaiah Hartenstein and the Oklahoma City Thunder are set to tip off the new season as the team to beat. The German center will receive his coveted championship ring during a pre-game ceremony on Wednesday before facing the Houston Rockets.

“I’m incredibly excited,” Hartenstein told Sport Bild. “It will make me realize once again what I have achieved. I dreamed of this moment back in Quakenbrück. Now it’s here.”

Hartenstein, now the second German to win an NBA title after Dirk Nowitzki, has his sights set on a rare accomplishment: back-to-back championships. While Nowitzki never achieved it, the Thunder are considered top contenders for the Larry O’Brien Trophy once again.

“We’re starting from zero again,” Hartenstein cautioned, echoing head coach Mark Daigneault’s message. “Now we’re the hunted. Everyone wants to beat the defending champions.”

Despite the pressure, Hartenstein admits the desire to experience the thrill of winning a championship again is a strong motivator. “We also have many young players who want to prove themselves again,” he added.

Oklahoma City returns with a deep and talented roster, led by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Experts believe the Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, pose the biggest threat to the Thunder’s title aspirations.

During the offseason, Hartenstein took a break from basketball to recover from an Achilles issue and promote the sport in his native Germany. He also made sure to enjoy authentic German Döner, noting the difficulty of finding a good version in the United States. Upon returning to the U.S., he resumed rigorous training in Los Angeles, working with his father and teammate Chet Holmgren to prepare for the challenges of defending their crown.

The Thunder face the Houston Rockets at Paycom Arena, with the game set to tip off at 1:30 AM CET (Sky). All eyes will be on Hartenstein and the Thunder as they begin their quest for a second championship ring.

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