Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso celebrated his second NBA title Sunday night, capping a journey that began in the G League and now includes championships with two different franchises.
Caruso played a critical role off the bench in the Thunder’s 103-91 Game 7 win over the Indiana Pacers, contributing 10 points, three steals, and relentless perimeter defense that helped seal the franchise’s first title since moving from Seattle.
Speaking postgame on NBA TV, Caruso recalled his early years under Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, who also coached him in the G League. “Yeah, I got a great picture that I’m going to post,” Caruso said, referencing a photo from their developmental days. “I was a lot younger and more immature then… I didn’t know what was going on. But yeah, it’s super cool just to be able to share this with him again.”
The 31-year-old veteran joined Oklahoma City last summer, and he said the fit was immediate. “Honestly, whenever the trade happened, my immediate thoughts were like, I’m going to fit in great with this team,” Caruso said. “Make plays, make winning plays, cover for guys, move the ball, create good shots… I just felt like I fit with the team really well.”
Caruso highlighted the team’s collective drive and willingness to grow throughout the season, noting, “From that point on, I was ten toes down, ready to go to war with these guys.”
The former Laker also discussed how sticking to his strengths helped define his career. “Winning basketball is winning basketball. There’s no way to change that,” Caruso said. “It takes boxing out, it takes rotations on defense, communicating, moving the ball, being unselfish.”
He credited former Lakers assistant Miles Simon for shaping his mindset. “Miles used to remind me when I was on two-ways: I can’t just go out there and be another guy. I have to go out there and make a difference and stand out.”
Caruso’s value was evident throughout the postseason, where he anchored the Thunder’s perimeter defense and brought veteran poise to a young roster led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
When asked what separates Gilgeous-Alexander, Caruso pointed to his combination of poise and competitiveness. “He’s not rattled… he’ll get fouled, won’t complain, just goes to the next play,” he said. “That’s the head of the snake for our team.”
Sunday’s victory gave Caruso his second ring, following the 2020 championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. For Oklahoma City, it marked their first NBA title since 1979 and a full-circle moment for the franchise and its developmental system.
“I’m not just another guy,” Caruso said. “There’s a real spot for me to make a difference.”
