Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso is on the verge of securing his second NBA championship as his team faces the Indiana Pacers in the 2024 NBA Finals. Reflecting on his journey, Caruso discussed how his 2020 NBA bubble experience with the Los Angeles Lakers continues to influence his leadership role for the Thunder in this pivotal series.
From Chicago to Oklahoma City: Caruso’s Evolving Role on a Title-Contending Team
After being traded from the Chicago Bulls last offseason, Alex Caruso was brought to the Thunder to strengthen perimeter defense and provide veteran guidance. His persistent intensity and defensive prowess have contributed significantly to OKC’s strong 68-win regular season and their 13-6 performance in the playoffs so far. Caruso’s steady presence has been essential to the Thunder’s status as a Western Conference powerhouse this season.
In contrast, Caruso’s first NBA Finals appearance came in 2020 during his third season, within the unique circumstances of the NBA bubble at Walt Disney World Resort, Florida. The pandemic forced the games to be held without fan attendance, creating a drastically different environment from the current Finals matchup.
Caruso Reflects on Personal and Professional Growth Since 2020 Championship Run
During a recent practice, Caruso discussed the team’s effort to respond to a 2-1 series deficit against Indiana. When asked whether this series feels similar to or differs from his 2020 bubble experience, he highlighted his growth both as a player and as a leader. Now 31 years old and under a four-year, $81.1 million contract—the largest of his career—Caruso emphasized that he is much more established compared to his early NBA days.
I think the real difference is just that I was in my third year in the NBA, and two of those were on a two-way [contract], I was learning a lot at the time. That was my first playoff run. That was the first time I’d been to the playoffs, the year we won the championship.
—Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City Thunder guard
He also credited his experiences with the Lakers and Bulls, particularly the challenges and losses in the playoffs during 2021 and 2022, for sharpening his understanding and ability to contribute effectively to a championship contender.
I think going through a couple of seasons in between that and losing in the playoffs, getting to the playoffs, now here, being on this stretch run again, getting here, having a chance to win it, just my knowledge of the game and my understanding of the situations,
Caruso said.
Transition from Supporting Veteran to Guiding Young Thunder Squad
Caruso’s biggest change since 2020 lies in his leadership responsibilities. During his Lakers championship season, he played alongside experienced stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, which shaped his early development. Now, as the most seasoned player on the Thunder roster, he takes on the role of mentoring younger teammates through the pressures of the NBA Finals.
I relied a lot on the veteran team that we had the year we won the championship. We had multiple guys, 10, 15 years in the league. That’s an astounding number, I think being on the other side of that now, being the guy who has had the most experience, trying to give the guys the right mindset and the right course corrections is probably the biggest difference.
—Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City Thunder guard
High Stakes as Thunder Prepare for Crucial Game 4 at Indiana
As the Thunder aim to level the series at 2-2, Caruso’s leadership will be vital in navigating the hostile atmosphere of Indiana’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The two–time NBA All-Defensive Team member stressed that the team must elevate their competitiveness to an all-time high to avoid slipping into a difficult 3-1 series hole.
Caruso’s experience across his eight-year career, from the unique 2020 bubble environment to his expanding veteran role in Oklahoma City, underscores his ongoing impact. His ability to adapt and lead will likely be a decisive factor in the Thunder’s pursuit of their first championship in franchise history.