“I’ve had harder kisses”: Barkley defends OKC’s physical play

After an alien-like performance with 41 points and 24 rebounds, many expected another dominant night from Victor Wembanyama. Then Game 2 happened, and the script completely changed.

Wemby finished with roughly half the scoring output, nearly disappeared from the paint, and many began asking whether OKC had finally found the formula to slow him down. According to a large number of fans and analysts, the answer had a name attached to it.

At the center of the discussion was Isaiah Hartenstein, whose aggressive defense sparked frustration among Spurs fans and NBA observers. But not everyone saw it the same way. In fact, Charles Barkley completely dismissed the controversy.

Charles Barkley defends Hartenstein

During Inside the NBA, Barkley didn’t hold back when responding to criticism directed at the Thunder.

All of you at home and on TV saying they were too physical with Wemby need to stop. I’ve had kisses harder than those contacts

Charles Barkley

The Hall of Famer continued, explaining that in his view Hartenstein was simply using his body without crossing any line:

Sure, he was bodying him up, but it wasn’t anything excessive. No hard shots, no dirty fouls. If you think that’s physical, then you’re overreacting

Charles Barkley

Replays spark debate: holding, pushing, and few whistles

Despite Barkley’s stance, multiple clips circulated online showing Hartenstein grabbing, pushing, and constantly engaging the French big man in an effort to keep him away from the paint.

Even Reggie Miller, during the broadcast, pointed out how physical the Thunder center was playing against Wembanyama:

He’s using all of his body weight. He’s grabbing him, pushing him, and constantly trying to wear him down

Reggie Miller

Bill Simmons shared a similar sentiment on social media, joking about the officiating standard:

I thought Hartenstein couldn’t play in this series. But if they’re letting him grab and hit Wemby on every possession, then he should play all 48 minutes

Bill Simmons

Adding more fuel to Spurs fans’ frustration was a fourth-quarter sequence in which Hartenstein appeared to pull Stephon Castle’s hair during a rebound battle. No foul was called, and the play eventually ended with a Thunder three-pointer.

How Oklahoma City changed the series

Hartenstein’s physical presence especially affected Wembanyama on the offensive glass. After grabbing nine offensive rebounds in Game 1, the Spurs star was held to five in Game 2.

This is the type of physical basketball you have to deal with around the basket

Charles Barkley

And that’s where the real debate begins: hard but legal defense, or officiating that allowed too much? Spurs fans have already made their choice.