With the Oklahoma City Thunder one win away from an NBA championship, veteran guard Alex Caruso offered a measured but confident outlook heading into Game 6.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Caruso emphasized that despite the team’s 3–2 series lead over the Indiana Pacers, the mission remains unfinished.
“We’ve talked about all series — when we were down one, when we were down 2-1 — it’s the first to four wins,” Caruso said. “That’s still my mentality — just to try and get this last win.”
The 31-year-old guard, acquired by Oklahoma City last offseason, said his approach hasn’t changed with the title within reach.
“I’ve been preparing for this moment for a couple of years,” he said. “I don’t feel very different right now. I’m very, very concentrated, very focused on winning the first game.”
Caruso, who previously won a championship with the Lakers in 2020, acknowledged the similarities in atmosphere and intensity.
“Same adrenaline, same focus,” he said. “You understand the moment of how close you are. You just want to be ready to put your best out there.”
Throughout the postseason, Caruso has contributed on both ends — scoring when called upon, while remaining a key defensive anchor. When asked how he decides where to focus, he credited his instincts and role clarity.
“The game kind of tells me what to do,” he explained. “Sometimes the ball finds me 12 times and I shoot. Other times I have four steals and make hustle plays. Just trying to win the games.”
In Game 5, the Thunder surged past Indiana 120–109, led by Jalen Williams’ 40 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31. The defensive stability created by that offensive production helped Caruso impact the game with four steals.
“When you’re playing well offensively, you get to set your defense,” Caruso noted. “And from there, you play offense more freely. It’s a good partnership.”
He also praised Williams’ growth on defense, calling his instincts “second to none,” and detailed his efforts to help the second-year wing mature mentally.
“I’m trying to teach him different tendencies and things to grow his game,” Caruso said. “Also just mentality-wise — what it takes to go out there and guard the best players every single night.”
The Thunder now travel to Indianapolis for Game 6, where they will try to clinch their first NBA title in franchise history. Caruso underscored the team’s emotional balance and readiness.
“We’re a young team, but we’re very emotionally mature,” he said. “We don’t have to do anything out of the ordinary. We’ve got to be ourselves at a very high level in order to get it done.”
Game 6 tips off Thursday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Oklahoma City leads the series 3–2.
