In Game 2, the Oklahoma City Thunder sent a loud and clear message to the rest of the league: they’re not just riding MVP-level performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, they’ve got legitimate firepower coming off the bench.
When Shai sat for 12 minutes, the Thunder didn’t just hold steady, they outscored their opponents by 11 points during that span, according to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater. It was a striking reminder of the team’s depth in the roster and lineup flexibility.
Much of that surge came courtesy of a high-energy, high-IQ five-man unit consisting of Alex Caruso, Jalen Williams (nicknamed “Dub”), Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace, and Isaiah Hartenstein.
The lineup clicked immediately, combining perimeter defense, ball movement, and off-the-ball movement to devastating effect. Caruso in particular led the charge with 20 points, proving once again that his value goes far beyond hustle plays.
“We’ve played that lineup a lot through the playoffs,” Caruso explained. “Mark (Daigneault) went back to it because we’ve had a lot of success. Me and Cason do a good job of mixing it up with whoever is the lead guard. Dub has great hands. We have a versatility in the lineup. It lets Wigs get a little bit loose, too.”
Caruso’s words speak to a rare cohesion among a group of non-star players. While most teams struggle to stay afloat when their best player sits, the Thunder thrive.
The unit’s strength lies in its versatility: Caruso and Wallace can seamlessly toggle between defending the ball and initiating offense.
Williams brings disruptive defense and secondary playmaking. Hartenstein provides interior presence, screens, and rebounding. And Wiggins, with space to roam, becomes a dangerous cutter and slasher.
This is playoff basketball at its sharpest, not just top-heavy with stars, but built on smart rotations, adaptable players, and a coach in Mark Daigneault who knows how to push the right buttons at the right moments.
With contributions like these, Oklahoma City looks like a team built for more than just a strong run; they look like contenders with answers up and down the roster.
Thunder Notes: Caruso, Wiggins, Ownership, Depth, Defensive Strategy https://t.co/n7msr1gklP pic.twitter.com/hOt38WJXf7
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) June 11, 2025
