Alex Caruso stands as the only member of the current Oklahoma City Thunder roster with firsthand experience of playing in an NBA Finals. However, he remains uncertain about how this year’s finals will unfold. Previously a part of the Los Angeles Lakers, Caruso was instrumental in their victory against the Miami Heat during the 2020 NBA Finals. These games were notably held within the unique confines of the bubble at Lake Buena Vista, Florida, marked by the absence of fans and a distinct atmosphere that is expected to vastly differ from the ambiance in Oklahoma City as the finals begin this Thursday.
Reflecting on his past experience, Caruso stated, “The finals in the bubble still carried the essence of being in the finals. You were acutely aware of the stakes involved. The adrenaline right before the game, obviously, couldn’t match the levels experienced with an audience, as I’m now on the other side of it. But the gravity of what’s at stake was undeniably clear.”
The Thunder are gearing up to face either Indiana or New York in this year’s showdown. Game 1 will be hosted at Oklahoma City, where the Thunder boast an impressive 43-7 home record. Their overall record stands at 80-18 this season, excluding a defeat in the NBA Cup title game, which is not factored into their official tally. Due to their robust performance throughout the season, Caruso doesn’t see a pressing need to provide extensive guidance on navigating the finals pressure.
“You don’t need to do anything extraordinary. You just need to be true to who we are,” Caruso emphasized. “That strategy has served us well this entire year. I just keep reminding the team to maintain our focus on competing vigorously and playing cohesively. When we do that, we’re quite formidable.”
At 31 years old, Caruso is the most senior player on the Thunder’s roster, which is noteworthy given that over 80 NBA players are older than he is. The NBA records the Thunder as the second-youngest team to ever secure a finals spot in the last seven decades, with an average age of 25.56. They are only marginally older, on average, than the Portland Trail Blazers were during their 1977 finals appearance.
“We still hold one of the youngest teams in the league,” commented Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “The rapid growth and development we’ve seen from these players is remarkable. Many have advanced quickly and significantly in a brief timeline.”
While the team is brimming with emerging talent, including MVP contender Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, they continue to rely on the veteran wisdom that Caruso provides.
“There isn’t a moment where he isn’t fully committed and invested in the competition,” remarked Daigneault, who previously coached Caruso with the G League’s Oklahoma City Blue and now with the Thunder. “His passion for the game and the consistency he maintains are truly impactful. Whether during a simple practice drill or a crucial play during a game, Caruso’s engagement is infectious.”
Looking forward, Caruso is eager to bring that same level of commitment to the finals, with hopes of capturing a second championship ring and experiencing his first victory parade.
The 2020 finals concluded in October due to the COVID-disrupted season, with training camps resuming shortly thereafter. The lack of a traditional offseason following the Lakers’ championship win left Caruso feeling like he missed out on some celebratory experiences.
“There are elements of clinching a championship that I missed out on with that first win,” Caruso reflected. “I never experienced a championship parade. The tight turnaround meant I barely had time off. I went to Cabo for a short break before starting preparations for the next season. There was a portion of joy from winning that I didn’t fully get to enjoy. But I now have another opportunity to achieve it, with fans and the full celebratory experience.”