Alex Caruso has been the X-factor for the Oklahoma City Thunder this post-season, frequently making game-changing plays on the defensive end.
Since joining the team in via a trade with the Chicago Bulls, the 31-year-old has helped to bolster what was already an impressive defence, but he has risen to another level since the beginning of the post-season.
After taking down the Memphis Grizzlies and the Denver Nuggets, Caruso will be relied upon heavily against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with the cult hero saying he is more than prepared for the task at hand.
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Alex Caruso details approach behind defensive versatility
Alex Caruso has long been one of the NBA's most deadly defenders; he played a key role in the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers title, and is a two-time All-Defensive team selection, making the first team in 2023 and the second in 2024.
The Alex Caruso effect is REAL 💯
— NBA (@NBA) May 20, 2025
🛡️ Lowest FG% allowed in the regular season (39.3%)
📈 Thunder Net Rating jumps from +6.8 ➝ +21.2 when he’s on the floor
🔐 2nd-best individual Defensive Rating in the playoffs pic.twitter.com/skO7HzYJc4
With a Minnesota Timberwolves squad helmed by Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle the only thing standing in his way of another finals appearance, Caruso has detailed how his defensive versatility has made him crucial to the Thunder's success.
"My last year in Chicago, there was a week stretch where I guarded like, Giannis and Zion and Steph and Ja, it just comes with the nature of it," Caruso said.
"I've gotten a lot of experience from guarding that, and then earlier this year, me and [Jalen Williams] were playing the five, so a lot of post work, invaluable experience. It's paying dividends now for us.
"Like, dislike, it's my job - go out there and get stops, whether the game tells me to go battle with 300-pound guys or get over screens on the perimeter, I'll be ready for it."
Caruso also detailed how he will approach guarding Minnesota's larger talent in Julius Randle, compared to the names like Jaren Jackson Jr. that he has done battle with throughout this run.
"From a physicality standpoint, I think Julius has a little more footwork and skill whereas with Jaren, at least in my case, he tried to just overpower me.
"He plays a lot more like a post when he is in the mid-range, where Julius has jabs and spin moves to fades and stuff like that. But as far as a physicality standpoint and a strength standpoint, yeah, they both look to set the tone that way and be the first and be the aggressor."
Caruso and his Thunder team claimed a massive win in Game 1, downing their opponents by 26 and moving just three wins away from a return to the NBA finals.