Alex Caruso’s Unexpected Surge Is Shaking Up the NBA Finals — What Does It Mean for OKC?

Through the long haul of this NBA season, Alex Caruso rarely found himself on the court beyond the 30-minute mark—only twice did he breach that threshold. The first instance emerged late in March during a bruising encounter with the Clippers, thrust upon him by injuries to key starters. The second, far more telling, arrived amid the heat of the 2024 Western Conference finals where Caruso’s relentless energy and tenacious defense significantly contributed to a nail-biting victory over the Timberwolves, inching the Thunder closer to the NBA Finals. Now, standing firmly in the spotlight of the 2025 NBA Finals, Caruso has already logged 30-plus minutes in half of the games played—an unmistakable sign that the stakes are influencing his role in profound ways. There’s something poetic about those numbers, the way they hint at a player rising to the occasion when the pressure peaks, embodying the very essence of what makes championship runs unforgettable. If ever there was a moment crafted for Caruso’s unique brand of gritty, all-encompassing basketball, this is surely it—and he’s answering the call with a craftiness born of experience and a hunger sharpened by every hard-fought minute.
LEARN MORE“It’s the ultimate effort, endeavor, whatever you want to call it,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said after Game 4. “I mean, it’s long. It’s arduous. But it’s the greatest opportunity going. … It’s really hard, and it’s supposed to be hard.”That philosopher’s name? Alex Caruso.Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

AdvertisementAdvertisement