The Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, securing a 123-107 victory over the Indiana Pacers to even the series at 1-1. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 34 points, it was Alex Caruso who stole the spotlight, delivering a vintage performance that left his teammates in awe.
After the game, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams made it clear that Caruso’s contributions should not be overlooked, playfully defending their veteran teammate when asked about his impact.
Caruso, known primarily for his defensive prowess, turned into an offensive force, scoring 20 points while shooting 4-for-8 from three-point range. His performance was so dominant that he outscored every single Pacers player, including Tyrese Haliburton (17 points), Myles Turner (16 points), and Pascal Siakam (15 points).
Holmgren, when asked about Caruso’s energy levels compared to a typical 30-year-old player, quickly shut down any notion that age was a factor.
“Don’t disrespect our GOAT like that, man,” Holmgren said. “He’s one of those guys who, you know, is going to bring it every single night. Whether he’s 22 or 30, it doesn’t matter, he’s going to bring it. And I feel like, as a collective, we really feed off of that.”
Williams also chimed in, joking about his experiences being guarded by Caruso.
“I don’t know, I’d be frying AC, so I don’t really know,” Williams said with a laugh. “No, but he’s a really good defender. Great hands, good feet, physical, smart. So when you add all that together and the amount of years that he’s been in the league, I can imagine it’s probably a little uncomfortable.”
At 31 years old, Caruso is the oldest player on the Thunder’s roster, bringing invaluable experience to a young OKC squad. His leadership and defensive intensity have been crucial throughout the playoffs, particularly in the Western Conference Finals, where his defense on Nikola Jokic helped OKC secure a Game 7 victory.
While Caruso’s defensive reputation is well-established, his Game 2 offensive explosion proved that he can still step up in big moments. His ability to process the game, communicate with teammates, and deliver clutch performances has made him an indispensable piece of OKC’s Finals run.
