The Oklahoma City Thunder’s first-ever NBA championship came with fireworks, confetti—and a hilarious moment that had fans and players alike cracking up. During the postgame celebration of OKC’s Game 7 win over the Indiana Pacers, ESPN’s Lisa Salters playfully referred to Alex Caruso as “Unc,” a nod to his status as the oldest player on the Thunder’s youthful roster.
“Where is the old guy? Where is ‘Unc’?” Salters called out on stage, prompting laughter from the crowd and Caruso himself.
At 31, Caruso is hardly ancient by NBA standards, but on a team filled with rising stars in their early 20s, he’s the clear veteran presence.
Caruso, who won his second NBA title (his first came with the Lakers in 2020), has been a steadying force for the Thunder all season. His defense, leadership, and locker room presence helped guide a team that had never been to the Finals before. And when it came time to pop champagne in the locker room, it was Caruso who had to show the younger guys how it’s done.
Salters quickly followed up her “Unc” comment with a laugh and a light-hearted disclaimer:
“I’m just kidding, you’re not that old obviously,” she said, as Caruso grinned and waved to the crowd.
“Where’s Unc?” 🤣
2-time Champion Alex Caruso soaking it all in 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Aogmf50fKY
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 23, 2025
