The San Antonio Spurs gave the Oklahoma City Thunder their first loss of the postseason in Game 1 behind a historic performance from Victor Wembanyama. As a result, the pressure was firmly on the reigning NBA champions going into the second game of the series.
They came into the game with an adjustment, using Isaiah Hartenstein to put pressure on the French-born superstar. It worked in their favor, as the series heads back to Texas tied one apiece. But the physicality from the former New York Knicks star seemed to be teetering on the edge.
Isaiah Hartenstein Criticized for Physicality Against Victor Wembanyama
In the first game, Wembanyama was primarily guarded by Jalen Williams and Alex Caruso for the majority of the game. After a brief initial spurt, Hartenstein was virtually unplayable for the rest of the night.
The second game, though, began with coach Mark Daigneault putting the seven-footer on Wemby. It proved to be wildly effective as the reigning Defensive Player of the Year finished with just 21 points.
However, iHart’s methods to limit Wembanyama drew a lot of scrutiny. Constantly being physical with him, it seemed like he was going over the limit. From grabbing and hooking his arm to pushing him around, Hartenstein left no stone unturned.
I didn’t think Hartenstein was playable in this series — but if he’s gonna be allowed to maul and grab Wemby like this on every play he should play 48 minutes. This is hilarious.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) May 21, 2026
As a result, veteran NBA analyst Bill Simmons claimed, “I didn’t think Hartenstein was playable in this series — but if he’s gonna be allowed to maul and grab Wemby like this on every play he should play 48 minutes. This is hilarious.”
cause it wasn’t the cleanest defense. effective as hell, but Hartenstein was hacking tf outta him — got lucky a lot wasn’t called tbh https://t.co/U2f8fLilS5
— Ashley Nicole Moss (@AshNicoleMoss) May 21, 2026
He wasn’t the only one who came to that conclusion, with Ashley Nicole Moss of CBS Sports outright stating, “Cause it wasn’t the cleanest defense. effective as hell, but Hartenstein was hacking tf outta him – got lucky a lot wasn’t called tbh.”
The appreciation came from the commentary booth as well, which ran a highlight clip of the work he was doing on Wembanyama. Unfortunately, the entire clip showed quite a few fouls that went uncalled during the game.
Isaiah Hartenstein has been like a GLUE to Wemby#NBA #Spurs #PorVida #Thunder #ThunderUppic.twitter.com/BnN2FiZao2
— Dom (@ZeroChillSports) May 21, 2026
“Isaiah Hartenstein has been like a GLUE to Wemby,” one fan wrote. Damien Peters of Yahoo Sports was more extreme, writing, “Isiah Hartenstein is getting away with murder out there guarding Wemby, but it’s like I always say – they cannot call everything. They will not call everything. This needs to be baked into our expectations. Ball up top.”
Isiah Hartenstein is getting away with murder out there guarding Wemby, but it’s like I always say – they cannot call everything. They will not call everything. This needs to be baked into our expectations. Ball up top.
— Damien Peters (@DamienPetersNBA) May 21, 2026
Unfortunately, it wasn’t just the two-time All-Star who was on the receiving end of Hartenstein. One of the most infamous clips from the entire game came off an offensive rebound. As Stephon Castle was trying to get the rebound, Hartenstein seemed to yank his hair back, which immediately allowed the Thunder to capitalize with a 3-pointer.
As Underdog NBA tried to joke, “unusual tactic from isaiah hartenstein,” some believed it might lead to a full-fledged investigation with repercussions for the veteran center. “Hartenstein is 100% gonna have this reviewed by the league office.”
unusual tactic from isaiah hartenstein pic.twitter.com/ViDzAR9XIo
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 21, 2026
Jim Park, though, was far more brutal in his breakdown of the entire incident, claiming, “Thunder are a disgusting team to watch, and the refs are even more disgusting for letting them get away with stuff like this. Hartenstein literally pulled Castle away from a rebound by aggressively pulling his hair, and Thunder got a three out of this play. Sickening league.”
Thunder are a disgusting team to watch, and the refs are even more disgusting for letting them get away with stuff like this.
Hartenstein literally pulled Castle away from a rebound by aggressively pulling his hair, and Thunder got a three out of this play. Sickening league https://t.co/ugU1Dnx1KG
— Jim Park🏀🌌 (@Sheridanblog) May 21, 2026
Some of his physicality, whether real or perceived as uncalled, has been the talk of the entire sports world on social media. It could affect how the referees call the action in Game 3, potentially benefiting the Spurs in a big way.
