{
  "id": 16111058,
  "title": "How Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein is planning to contain Nikola Jokic in Nuggets clash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/how-thunder-center-isaiah-hartenstein-is-planning-to-contain-nikola",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-22T21:44:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/thunder-center-isaiah-hartenstein-planning-214404202.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein acknowledged the challenge of guarding Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic on Thursday night at Paycom Center. Hartenstein explained that it is crucial to be disciplined when facing Jokic, who is known for punishing defenders who are not disciplined. Hartenstein, who has played against Jokic multiple times, emphasized the importance of preparation, stating that the Thunder has a number of skilled defenders like Chet Holmgren, Jaylin Williams, and himself who can provide different looks to Jokic throughout the game. Hartenstein also highlighted the importance of versatility, stating that modern defenses require big men to be skilled and able to do multiple things on the court.",
  "summary": "OKLAHOMA CITY — From defending San Antonio Spurs Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama on Opening Night to Denver Nuggets three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein faces another challenge in his home opener. The Thunder held Wembanyama to 1-for-13 shooting on Opening Night. However, facing Jokic and the […] The post How Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein…",
  "key_points": [
    "Isaiah Hartenstein acknowledges challenge of guarding Nikola Jokic.",
    "Thunder has skilled defenders like Chet Holmgren, Jaylin Williams.",
    "Modern defenses require versatile big men to be skilled on court."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}