Thunder's Alex Caruso: Shooting struggles in Game 7 defeat
Rotowire
Caruso had 12 points (3-14 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 5-6 FT), five rebounds, four assists and one block over 39 minutes during Saturday's 111-103 loss to the Spurs in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
Caruso entered Saturday's win-or-go-home contest having connected on 55.7 percent of his three-point attempts over the first six games of the series, but he was unable to carry that efficiency into Game 7. His 39 minutes of playing time were his most since the start of the regular season and second most on the Thunder behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (43 minutes). Caruso scored in double digits in five of seven games of the series and will end the Western Conference Finals having averaged 14.9 points, 2.6 assists, 2.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 0.9 blocks and 2.9 threes over 26.1 minutes per game. Caruso has been a key piece to the Thunder's success since being acquired from the Bulls during the 2024 offseason and is under contract with Oklahoma City for two more seasons.
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Thunder's Alex Caruso: Strikes for 22 in Tuesday's win
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Caruso closed with 22 points (5-10 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 8-8 FT), two rebounds, six assists and three steals over 28 minutes off the bench during Tuesday's 127-114 win over the Spurs in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals.
The veteran forward was the only member of the OKC bench to score more than eight points, and Caruso was second in scoring on the team behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's game-high 32 points. It was an impressive bounce-back effort from Caruso after he was held scoreless in Game 4. During the WCF, he's averaging 17.0 points, 3.6 threes, 2.8 assists, 2.4 boards, 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks in just 24.6 minutes while shooting a blistering 56.8 percent from the floor and 58.1 percent from beyond the arc.
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Thunder's Alex Caruso: Returns Tuesday
Rotowire
Caruso (ankle) returned to Tuesday's Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the Spurs with 2:57 remaining in the second quarter, per the broadcast.
Caruso appeared to roll his ankle earlier in the quarter before leaving for the locker room. However, he returned to the bench shortly thereafter and appears to be good to go for the remainder of the contest after checking back in.
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Thunder's Alex Caruso: Briefly exits to locker room
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Caruso exited to the locker room in the second quarter of Tuesday's Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the Spurs due to an apparent ankle injury, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports.
Caruso appeared to roll his right ankle before eventually checking out with 7:06 remaining in the first half and heading back to the locker room. He's already back on the bench, so it appears likely he'll be able to return.
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Thunder's Alex Caruso: Momentum halts in Game 4 loss
Rotowire
Caruso closed with zero points (0-1 FG), two rebounds, one assist and two blocks across 14 minutes during Sunday's 103-82 loss to the Spurs in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.
Caruso finally came back to earth, failing to score for the first time in the playoffs. Coming off arguably his best stretch of the season, Caruso was limited to just 14 minutes while also dealing with foul trouble. Prior to Sunday, he had scored at least 15 points in three straight games, playing a pivotal role for the Thunder despite coming off the bench. With the series now tied at 2-2, Caruso will look to rediscover his form from earlier in the series as the series shifts to Oklahoma City for Game 5.
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Thunder's Alex Caruso: Productive run continues
Rotowire
Caruso closed with 15 points (4-7 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 4-6 FT), three rebounds, one assist, one block and two steals across 24 minutes during Friday's 123-108 win over San Antonio in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.
Caruso continues to play his best basketball of the season, scoring at least 15 points for the third straight game while also chipping in three combined steals and blocks. For whatever reason, Caruso has been able to take advantage of the matchup against San Antonio, averaging 21.0 points, 4.7 three-pointers and 2.7 combined steals and blocks through the first three games of the series.
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Thunder's Alex Caruso: Paces OKC in defeat
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Caruso contributed 31 points (11-19 FG, 8-14 3Pt, 1-3 FT), two rebounds, two steals, two blocks and one assist across 32 minutes in Monday's 122-115 double-overtime loss to the Spurs in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
Caruso was all over the place Monday, making his presence felt on both ends of the floor despite the tightly contested loss. The veteran swingman scored 10 points in the opening quarter amid some early-game struggles for the Thunder, and he ended with a team- and season-high 31 points. He also supplied multiple steals for a fourth straight game and multiple blocks for the first time since March 21.
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Thunder's Alex Caruso: Will be available
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Caruso (rest) is available for Sunday's Game 1 against the Suns.
Caruso is completely off the injury report after missing the regular-season finale. Look for him to reprise his role with the second unit.
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Thunder's Alex Caruso: Ruled out for Sunday
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Caruso (rest) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Suns.
Caruso will sit out a second straight game for rest purposes, though he should be good to go by the playoffs. The veteran wing will finish the regular season with averages of 6.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals across 18.2 minutes per contest in 56 outings off the bench.
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Thunder's Alex Caruso: Getting rest day
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Caruso is out for Friday's game against the Nuggets for rest purposes, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.
Caruso is one of several key rotation players to get the right off Friday. He'll have one last opportunity to appear in the regular season Sunday against Phoenix.
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Thunder's Alex Caruso: Available versus Jazz
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Caruso (illness) isn't listed on the injury report for Sunday's game against Utah.
Caruso didn't play in Thursday's 139-96 win over the Lakers because of an illness. However, his absence won't extend beyond one game. The 32-year-old is having a down season offensively, although he remains one of Oklahoma City's most capable defenders.
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Thunder's Alex Caruso: Unavailable Thursday
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Caruso (illness) is out for Thursday's game against the Lakers.
Caruso was hopeful to be able to suit up Thursday, but he'll miss his first game since March 9 due to an illness. Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe could pick up additional minutes in Caruso's absence.
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Thunder's Alex Caruso: Questionable for Thursday
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Caruso (illness) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Lakers.
Caruso logged 27 minutes in Monday's 114-110 overtime win over the Pistons, finishing with three points, one rebound, four assists and one steal. He's now in danger of missing Thursday's game versus the Lakers because of an illness. If that happens, Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe could be in line for more minutes off the bench.
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Thunder's Alex Caruso: Limited role in win
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Caruso racked up four points (1-2 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds and two assists over 16 minutes during Monday's 123-103 victory over the 76ers.
Caruso saw a very modest workload in the win, as the Thunder deployed a deep rotation. With Jared McCain finding his groove, it's hard to imagine Caruso emerging as anything more than a deep-league fantasy asset.
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Thunder's Alex Caruso: Sees 23 minutes in return
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Caruso posted seven points (3-11 FG, 1-8 3Pt), four rebounds, two assists, one block and two steals in 23 minutes during Thursday's 104-102 victory over Boston.
Caruso returned to the rotation following a two-game absence related to a hip issue. He's played a modest role over his last five appearances, posting averages of 6.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.6 steals in 20.8 minutes per contest.
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Thunder's Alex Caruso: Not listed on injury report
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Caruso (hip) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Thursday's game against the Celtics.
Caruso will return from a two-game absence Thursday, which could result in fewer minutes for Isaiah Joe and Cason Wallace. Caruso is averaging 6.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 triples and 1.4 steals per game this season.
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Thunder's Alex Caruso: Ruled out Mondday
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Caruso (hip) is out for Monday's game against the Nuggets.
Caruso is missing a second straight contest with a bruised left hip. His next chance to play comes Thursday, when the Thunder square off with the Celtics. Caruso's absence Monday opens up a few extra minutes on the wing for the likes of Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe and Cason Wallace.
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Thunder's Alex Caruso: Questionable for Monday
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Caruso (hip) is questionable for Monday's game against the Nuggets.
Caruso sat out Saturday's win over the Warriors, but it looks like there's a chance he'll be able to get back out there for Monday's game. If Caruso is cleared, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe's minutes could dip a bit.
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Thunder's Alex Caruso: Not playing Saturday
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Caruso (hip) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Warriors, Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com reports.
Caruso suffered a hip injury during Wednesday's win against the Knicks. The injury will prevent the veteran point guard from playing Saturday, and he'll look to recover enough to return for Monday's game against the Nuggets. Isaiah Joe, Jared McCain and Aaron Wiggins are all slated for a bump in minutes in Caruso's absence.
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Thunder's Alex Caruso: Won't return Wednesday
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Caruso will not return to Wednesday's game against the Knicks due to a left hip contusion, Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com reports. He'll finish with three points (1-1 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 0-2 FT), four rebounds, two steals and one assist in 12 minutes.
Caruso exited to the locker room in the third quarter and won't return to the hardwood the rest of the way. His next opportunity to play will come Saturday against Golden State. If he's forced to miss time, Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe and Jared McCain are candidates for increased playing time.
