OKLAHOMA CITY, (KTUL) — With the Oklahoma City Thunder just one win away from clinching their first NBA championship, the team is feeling the physical and mental toll of the grueling series.
“If you think it’s crazy to see it, it’s way crazier to feel it,” Chet Holmgren said. “It’s a lot — it’s a toll on the body. But if it was easy, everybody would get here and be here. It’s just part of it. It’s one of the challenges that show up. But I don’t think anybody here would trade it for being two months into their offseason feeling good on a beach somewhere.”
After tying the series 2-2, the Thunder secured a hard-fought victory over the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis. The constant travel and early morning returns have taken a toll, but Lu Dort emphasized the importance of staying locked in.
“One game at a time. You can only control the game that is in front of us,” Dort said. “So we got to go out there and do everything to win that game.”
Isaiah Hartenstein said he’s willing to do whatever it takes to help the team secure the title.
“I have to sacrifice certain aspects. To me and the team, it’s all about winning, so I think whatever the team needs — if it’s set a million screens, get every rebound or whatever it takes — I’m ready to do that because that is what I’m here for,” he said.
Holmgren also spoke about the mental aspect of playing in the Finals.
“I just try to think about every area that I can improve and try to stay sharp,” he said. “Anytime one of those thoughts pops into your head — where it’s like, ‘my body hurts’ or this or that — I try to think about the flipside. If my body didn’t hurt, it means our season is over. I think it’s a beautiful thing to think about the challenges, and it kinda makes you appreciate being in a situation where you have those challenges.”
The Thunder have returned to Indianapolis, focused and determined to bring home Oklahoma’s first-ever NBA championship.
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