OKLAHOMA CITY — Alex Caruso was asked after the NBA Finals’ Game 4 if he recognized his newfound superhero-like status among Oklahoma City Thunder fans during this playoff journey.
After all, going through the regular season without a single 20-point game to having two such performances in the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers certainly leaves an impression.
“For the superhero analogy, I’ll stick with Robin — that’s probably where I fit best,” Caruso remarked. “I’ve got teammates who are doing more.”
This is part of Caruso’s narrative, and he embraces it. Previously, he was part of the Los Angeles Lakers championship team alongside a ‘Batman’ in LeBron James during the pandemic ‘bubble’ title run of 2020. Now, he’s been pivotal in aiding the Thunder in their journey to another potential title, alongside another ‘Batman’ in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP and scoring leader, was instrumental in leading OKC’s charge during Game 4, moving the team within two victories from what could be Caruso’s second championship ring.
Caruso earned 20 points in Game 2 and matched those numbers in Game 4, a crucial and possibly season-defining win for the Thunder in this finals series. Not coincidentally, these are the games that the Thunder have emerged victorious in. His Game 4 feat was a historic milestone; no player had ever amassed 20 points and five steals off the bench during a finals game before — that was until Friday night when he accomplished that very feat.
“He’s a fierce competitor,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault stated. “He’s shown that repeatedly throughout his career and particularly in these playoffs … his competitive spirit is unmatched.”
Caruso, at 31, holds the spot as the oldest player on the Thunder roster. His teammates don’t hesitate to acknowledge him as the team’s seasoned veteran, the wise guide with a championship ring, and the go-to for advice on almost any subject.
“He embodies playing, strategizing, and coaching all in one,” forward Cason Wallace noted. “He’s perpetually a few steps ahead.”
Caruso’s story exemplifies overcoming odds. From being a highly-rated recruit out of high school to undrafted by any NBA team, his journey has witnessed hurdles — even some coaches regret letting him slip away.
Among those is Rick Carlisle, now coaching Indiana, who, during his tenure with Dallas, saw Caruso come in for a workout. Despite Caruso hailing from Texas A&M, the Mavericks didn’t even offer him a spot in the summer league.
“Some guys who fly under the radar possess an intense level of determination and grit that not only brings them to the league but lets them establish impactful careers,” Carlisle observed.
LeBron James continues to refer to Caruso as “one of my favorite teammates ever.” The Thunder echo similar sentiments, and it’s not difficult to understand why.
Caruso doesn’t need the ‘Batman’ moniker; being a ‘Robin’ suits him perfectly. “Ultimately, it’s all about wanting to win and being fiercely competitive,” Caruso commented. “That sums up my career. It’s why I’ve succeeded, why I’m still in the NBA, and why I’m speaking here with you today.”