Caruso Emerges As Key Thunder Weapon Ahead of Game 2
Hope
While much of the spotlight in the Western Conference Finals has focused on Victor Wembanyama, Alex Caruso produced a historic performance for the Oklahoma City Thunder despite their 122-115 Game One defeat to the San Antonio Spurs.
Caruso scored 31 points off the bench and made eight three-pointers in a standout display during the playoff clash. The veteran guard also added two rebounds while shooting 8-for-14 from beyond the arc in nearly 32 minutes on the court.
According to NBA postseason records, Caruso became only the second player in league history to record at least 30 points and eight made three-pointers off the bench in a playoff game, joining former Jason Terry.
The 32-year-old has played an important role for Oklahoma City this season, bringing defensive intensity, playoff experience and leadership to one of the league’s youngest squads.
Caruso averaged 6.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists during the regular season while regularly taking on difficult defensive assignments.
Caruso joined the Thunder ahead of the current campaign after winning an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. He was also named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2023 during his time with the Chicago Bulls.
Carusso will be looking to transfer that best game 1 form to game 2, as Oklahoma City will now look to level the series when the two teams meet again in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday.
