With Game 4 looming on Friday, Oklahoma City Thunder veteran Alex Caruso emphasized the importance of competitive intensity as the team looks to even the NBA Finals series against the Indiana Pacers.
Following a 116-107 loss in Game 3, Caruso pointed to the difference in scoring runs as a critical factor.
“When they played well, they were 9-, 10-, 12-point runs, and ours were like six-, seven-point runs,” Caruso said postgame. “That’s probably the thing that stood out the most.”
Now down 2-1 in the best-of-seven series, the Thunder are facing their most urgent test of the postseason. Caruso, the lone player on the roster with NBA Finals experience, highlighted what it takes to respond.
“You’ve got to really get your mind right and get ready for the preparation that it’s going to take to go out there and compete for 48 minutes and get the win,” he said. “The competitive greatness for this team has to be at an all-time high.”
Turnovers were a major issue in Game 3, particularly from guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, who combined for 10. When asked if those mistakes were correctable, Caruso responded with optimism.
“I think that’s an abnormal game for them,” he said. “Their norm all year has been to take care of the ball and to get us great shots as a team. So yeah, I expect them to find that form.”
Caruso credited Indiana’s defense for key stretches, especially late in the game, but maintained confidence in the Thunder’s approach when executed properly.
“I think for the most part, when we did what we wanted to do, when we executed how we wanted to play, it was good for us,” he noted.
The 31-year-old also reflected on his growth since the 2020 Finals, where he played a key role for the Lakers in the Orlando bubble.
“That was my first playoff run,” Caruso said. “Now… I think being on the other side of that now, being the guy who’s had the most experience and trying to give the guys the right mindset and the right course corrections is probably the biggest difference.”
Looking ahead, Caruso believes correcting minor details, such as limiting easy transition opportunities and maintaining focus on inbounds plays, will be key. He cited T.J. McConnell’s disruptive impact as an example.
“Some of that’s just mental error on our part,” he said. “Maybe take a second, read the floor.”
When asked about scoring off the bench, Caruso clarified that the Thunder’s system thrives on read-and-react play rather than structured sets.
“We get shots off the actions and off of the coverages of teams with engine guys,” he explained. “Some of that’s just the ball finding you.”
Game 4 tips off Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. A loss would put Oklahoma City on the brink of elimination, while a win would level the series and swing momentum back in their favor.
