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**OKLAHOMA CITY**— A seamless back-door cut. A no-look assist from Cason Wallace. The sharp sound of a whistle. An off-balance reverse layup. An uproar from the crowd.
Alex Caruso was vibrant. Truly vibrant.
His momentum propelled him right to the bench, where he gestured the classic and-1 sign and exchanged a chest bump with Chet Holmgren. Caruso had missed a three from the right corner, but after the Oklahoma City Thunder retrieved the rebound, he deftly evaded Indiana Pacers guard Ben Sheppard on a back-door cut, prompting Sheppard to grab him in an effort to halt his progress. Caruso persisted, receiving Wallace’s pass and laying it off the glass from the left side.
With just under 10 minutes remaining in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, the Thunder led by 22 points. Having already faced setbacks against the Pacers, their objective was clear: to maintain pressure on Indiana. Caruso obliged. By sinking the ensuing free throw, he would extend the Thunder’s lead to 25.
However, the basket did not stand. The foul committed by Sheppard was deemed to have occurred prior to the shot. Caruso’s highlight moment was recorded as nothing more than an impressive play instead of a point on the scoreboard. Nevertheless, it vividly illustrated his impactful Game 2 performance and his undeniable importance to the Thunder. His blend of basketball IQ and unyielding energy has come to symbolize Oklahoma City’s championship aspirations.
In Game 1, Caruso made his presence felt on defense. His impact was like having two defenders on the court, as he relentlessly pursued his man while also being a sneaky help defender, going after blocks and sneaky steals. He disrupted plays in the paint, thwarted dribble handoffs, and navigated around screens, troubling Indiana until the last minutes of the game.
In Sunday’s game, that defensive intensity remained. Still, if the Thunder were to stave off any more of Indiana’s heroics, they required a more potent and dynamic offense. Caruso answered the call, contributing 20 points on 6-of-11 shooting off the bench, including four three-pointers, in a critical game that resulted in a 123-107 victory at Paycom Center.
How many times did he reach 20 points during the regular season? Never. How many times in these playoffs? Twice.
The man is a phenomenon. He plays with relentless intensity on both ends of the court. This level of effort would be impressive from any player, but Caruso is achieving this at the age of 31.
“Don’t disrespect,” Holmgren, sporting his sunglasses at night, remarked with a grin, “our GOAT like that, man.”
Touché.
“He’s one of those players who consistently brings his A-game every night, regardless of whether he’s 22 or 30. It doesn’t matter; he’ll always deliver. I feel our whole team feeds off that energy. His capability to interpret the game and communicate effectively with everyone is crucial for us.
“Hopefully,” Holmgren added, a grin returning to his face, “that doesn’t fade away as time passes.”
It’s hard to envision a different Alex Caruso, one not hustling around the court, using his strength and energy to bully opponents, nor making impactful plays derived from his basketball acumen. This is the only version of him we know. The former undrafted player transformed his journey in basketball through sheer determination, with headbands that are as wide as the path he carved to get here.
That’s why it must feel monumental for Caruso to be back on this stage. He secured a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 before they let him go in 2021. Subsequently, he signed a four-year contract with the Chicago Bulls, although he participated in just four playoff games over three seasons before being traded to Oklahoma City. Along the way, he’s also endured injuries, achieving a career-high 71 games with the Bulls last season but typically averaging below 64 games played. This season, he appeared in 54 games.
Caruso reflects on his journey as a reminder of the arduous nature of the sport. Making it to the playoffs, winning a series, advancing to the finals, and ultimately hoisting a championship trophy are daunting tasks.
In a series where every possession matters, no play is insignificant. Nobody understands this better than Caruso, who has built his career on the small plays, converting them into significant contributions. He is acutely aware that the smallest details can lead to the greatest impact. This is a rare skill of his, and he’s using it to bring Oklahoma City’s championship aspirations tantalizingly within reach.
“Reaching this point isn’t assured,” Caruso stated. “No one gets a free pass or a continued welcome. You have to earn it each time. Being here is an achievement, but winning is the ultimate goal.”
Holmgren referred to Caruso as “our GOAT” in their locker room, but truly, he represented the voice of basketball fans. Caruso has become a beloved figure to those who champion hard workers. It’s challenging to watch him play and not desire him on your team—not just in basketball, but in any setting. Whether it’s a sales team, legal team, company softball team, or any other group, giving him a badge and a key fob will elevate that team.
Oklahoma City certainly recognized this, agreeing to pay him $81 million over four years. He remains an essential part of the squad, helping avert a potential crisis. Heading into Game 2, despite being labeled overwhelming favorites by Vegas, the thought of Indiana stealing a game loomed large in everyone’s mind, including that of the Thunder.
The Thunder played with an urgency that reflected their understanding of the stakes involved. It’s unwise to read too much into a single game during the finals, especially against the Pacers. However, a strong response from the Thunder was crucial for their confidence.
It’s no coincidence that Caruso was central to their resurgence. As the sole player with championship experience, he guides the team. He’s flanked by composed youngsters who have shown they can handle the spotlight, though they can become frazzled, as Game 1 highlighted. Sunday showcased their ability to refocus and regain their balance, largely thanks to Caruso’s leadership. His playing style and the way he communicates his observations and insights are invaluable.
“He’s been incredible for us in every aspect of the game,” said Kenrich Williams. “He brings immense energy, serves as a vocal presence in the locker room, and is currently performing at an exceptional level. You can tell he’s ramped it up for the playoffs, and that’s precisely what we need.”
The Thunder anticipated this postseason surge from Caruso. During the regular season, he ranked ninth on the team in minutes, the fewest he has logged since his second NBA season when he was on a two-way deal with the Lakers.
He confessed that part of this regular season was challenging. He craves playtime and is accustomed to being on the court. Not being able to do so, especially during the team’s struggles, required an extra measure of patience.
However, Caruso has accrued over 10,000 career minutes— and they’re not typical minutes, filled instead with aggressive, hard-working play. All-in, no holding back.
“I only have one speed,” Caruso remarked regarding his limited playing time. “I can’t function at 75 percent. Part of it was about keeping myself out of harm’s way. I’m not always good at that.”
He’s currently averaging 27.5 minutes in these finals, but his impact feels like it should surpass 30 minutes. When he’s on the floor, his presence is undeniable—he’s constantly active, tirelessly disrupting the opposition.
His defense remains as tenacious as ever. Just ask Jalen Williams.
“I don’t know,” Williams said. “I be frying AC, so I don’t really know.”
Hey, hey, hey. Let’s not disrespect the GOAT.
Caruso is more than mere hustle; he possesses exceptional basketball intelligence. He can read the game with unparalleled precision through his smarts and vigor.
On Sunday, he proved he can drain open threes and drive for reliable scoring. In Game 2, he served as the catalyst off the bench. Whatever the team requires, Caruso is ready to deliver. After all, the road back to this point has been lengthy, and he approaches this championship series with the urgency of someone who views it as potentially his last.
But for Caruso, that’s no issue; he thrives during the most critical games, prepared to invest every ounce of effort in pursuit of victory.
That’s why he’s inclined to yield to Williams. As the Thunder’s OG and ultimate teammate, who finds pride in sacrifice, he corroborated Williams’ assertions.
“Dub is a highly self-assured individual,” Caruso said with a hint of a smile. “I’m not exactly a standout in practices. Once I made the NBA roster and signed my contract, my practice focus waned a bit. The games are where it counts now. I feel I’ve earned that in my career. We’ll let him shine during practices.”
Because when it’s game time, that’s when Caruso truly comes alive.
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Marcus Thompson II serves as a lead columnist at The Athletic and is a recognized voice in the Bay Area sports community, having spent 18 years with the Bay Area News Group, including 10 seasons covering the Warriors and four as a columnist. He is also the best-selling author of “GOLDEN: The Miraculous Rise of Steph Curry.” Follow Marcus on Twitter @thompsonscribe.
