At 30 years old, Alex Caruso finds himself in the unusual position of being the elder statesman on a youthful Oklahoma City Thunder roster.
Despite his veteran status, Alex Caruso remains humble about his experience and continues to evolve his approach to the game.
Following a standout performance in Oklahoma City Thunder’s 118-99 Game 2 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, Caruso reflected on his journey and current role with the Western Conference contenders.
Coming off the bench, Caruso provided a crucial spark with 13 points and three steals, showcasing the defensive instincts that have made him a fan favorite throughout his career.
“It’s obviously great when you win, and it gives the fans a lot to cheer for. I think this time of year just kind of correlates with how I play the game,” Caruso explained after the game.
“I can’t always play like this through the course of the full 82 game season, I’ve figured that out now, eight years in, I can’t dive on the floor every single night.”
This self-awareness marks a significant evolution in Caruso’s approach, particularly as he adapts to a different role with the Thunder compared to previous stops in his career.
Despite being one of the team’s most experienced players, Caruso started just three games during the regular season – the second-lowest total of his career since his third year with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Rather than viewing this as a demotion, Caruso has embraced his specialized role within the Thunder’s championship pursuit.
With a history of injury concerns, Caruso has learned to strategically channel his trademark high-energy style for when it matters most–the playoffs.
“But this time of year, like really competing and getting after it, that I think resonates with fans especially here in Oklahoma City,” he noted.
“So to just kind of build that rapport with them and celebrate little things like that through the game, that’s, it’s fun for me.”
Caruso closed with a statement that encapsulates his winning mentality and the urgency of playoff basketball: “If you’re not playing like that this time of year, you’re probably going home.”
For a Thunder team looking to win their first NBA championship, Caruso’s playoff experience and his ability to give 110% could be worth their while as they carry on in the postseason.
He’s a seasoned player who knows what it takes to win at championship level.
