Carusos Relentless Effort and Versatility: A Key to Oklahoma City Thunders NBA Finals Push

In the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been a force to be reckoned with, and one of the key players in their success has been guard Alex Caruso. Through four games, Caruso has played over 30 minutes in two of those games, a stark contrast to his first 72 appearances this regular and postseason where he only topped 30 minutes twice. Caruso's relentless style of play has been a double-edged sword. On one hand, it has led to multiple injuries that have cost him significant time over the course of his seven-year NBA career. On the other hand, it has made him a crucial piece of Oklahoma City's championship puzzle. "It's a double-edged sword," Caruso said after Oklahoma City's Game 2 win. "Some of that is I play a pretty erratic style regardless if it's Game 1 or Game 2 of the Finals. I just only have one gear — I don't know how to play at 75%." Caruso's versatility has been on full display in the Finals. He is not only one of the best defenders on the planet but also a capable initiator of Oklahoma City's offense. In Game 4, he had more touches and time of possession than any other Thunder player besides Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, and more passes thrown than even OKC's two on-ball All-Stars. Caruso's preparation and work ethic have paid off. He has become a 43.2% marksman from 3-point range in this postseason, making him a legitimate complementary offensive threat playing off the likes of Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Chet Holmgren. "He is a gamer — you plug him in anywhere, any lineup, feels like any group, he makes a difference," Gilgeous-Alexander said after Game 4. "Makes everyone else around him better. He is always talking. He always knows where we're supposed to be, where the other team is supposed to be." Caruso's all-around impact was palpable late in Game 4. He contributed strong shot contests, aggressive rebounding on both ends, smart cuts, timely help rotations, and excellent on-ball defense. His small-ball defensive look helped set the table for Oklahoma City's comeback effort that got them even in the best-of-seven series. With an extra day of rest between Games 4 and 5, Caruso plans to be ready to put his fingerprints on the game, no matter how many minutes Daigneault needs him to play come Monday night in Bricktown. "These are the games you are judged on...this is the time of year that I live for," Caruso said Sunday. "This is the time of the year where games matter, stakes are high, wins and losses are more important." As Oklahoma City looks to clinch their first NBA title since 2018, Caruso's relentless effort and versatility will be crucial in their quest for glory.