There’s no easing into a game for Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso. No coasting through quarters or pulling back defensively to save energy.
The man plays as if every possession is decisive, which is exactly why the Thunder had to manage his workload throughout the regular season carefully.
“I just only have one gear,” Caruso explained. “I don’t know how to play at 75 percent.”
The quote isn’t just a self-reflection – it’s a mission statement. Caruso’s high-motor approach is part of what makes him one of the league’s most disruptive perimeter defenders.
But it also means that extended minutes come at a cost, particularly across an 82-game season.
Understanding this, Oklahoma City opted to reduce his minutes early on, holding him to under 20 per game. The thinking? Conserve energy now, capitalize later.
“Some of that was keeping me out of my own way, out of harm’s way,” he said candidly. “I don’t do a good job of that on my own.”
Now that the postseason is in full swing, Caruso is averaging more minutes and making a bigger impact. The Thunder’s foresight – and Caruso’s willingness to buy into the plan – may prove pivotal in their playoff journey.
Thunder Notes: Caruso, Wiggins, Ownership, Depth, Defensive Strategy https://t.co/n7msr1gklP pic.twitter.com/hOt38WJXf7
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) June 11, 2025
