Thunder's Alex Caruso: Another 20-point performance
Rotowire
Caruso chipped in 20 points (7-9 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 5-7 FT), three rebounds, one block and five steals over 30 minutes during Friday's 111-104 victory over the Pacers in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
Caruso continues to be a thorn in the side of Indiana, scoring at least 20 points for the second time in the past four games. To highlight just how vital his scoring has been, Caruso had scored at least 20 points only once all season prior to the NBA finals. He has also recorded multiple steals in five of the past six games, providing the Thunder with a consistent defensive presence. The series is now level at 2-2 with Game 5 slated for Monday in Oklahoma City.
... See More... See Less
Thunder's Alex Caruso: Pours in 20 points
Rotowire
Caruso logged 20 points (6-11 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 4-4 FT), three rebounds and one assist over 27 minutes during Sunday's 123-107 win over Indiana in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
Caruso matched his playoff-high mark of 20 points in the win, as the Thunder evened the series at one win apiece. With the Thunder using a lot of small-ball lineups in this series, Caruso could be heavily involved the rest of the way. Through two games against the Pacers, he's averaging 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 blocks, 1.5 steals and 2.5 three-pointers.
... See More... See Less
Thunder's Alex Caruso: Logs season-high 33 minutes
Rotowire
Caruso closed with 10 points (4-7 FG, 2-5 3Pt), two rebounds, one assist and two steals in 33 minutes during Monday's 128-126 victory over the Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.
Caruso stepped into a larger role, starting the second half in place of Isaiah Hartenstein. After playing just 10 minutes in the Game 3 loss, the coaching staff opted to go small against the Timberwolves. Although his numbers don't jump off the page, Caruso has been pivotal for the Thunder, providing a consistent defensive presence while also landing a handful of key baskets. The two teams will meet again in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, with the Thunder now just one win away from advancing to the Western Conference Finals.
... See More... See Less
Thunder's Alex Caruso: Quiet in Game 1 victory
Rotowire
Caruso registered nine points (3-4 FG, 3-3 3Pt) and three rebounds across 22 minutes during Tuesday's 114-88 victory over the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
Caruso didn't offer a lot in the victory, used somewhat sparingly as the Thunder walked away with a comfortable victory. After having scored double-digits in four straight games, Caruso turned in a relatively empty performance, failing to record a defensive stat. With that said, he will almost certainly be called upon to play a key role throughout the series, something he has done throughout the season. The two teams will lock horns again Thursday, with Oklahoma City looking to assert itself before heading to Minnesota.
... See More... See Less
Thunder's Alex Caruso: Adds 13 points in win
Rotowire
Caruso totaled 13 points (4-10 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds and two assists over 24 minutes during Tuesday's 112-105 victory over the Nuggets in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
Caruso notched his third double-digit scoring effort of the series and fifth of the postseason in Tuesday's Game 5 win. The defensive ace went without a steal or block for the second straight game, but on the flip side, he knocked down multiple three-pointers for the third game in a row. Caruso continuing to cash in on open jumpers would be huge for the Thunder in their quest for a title.
... See More... See Less
Thunder's Alex Caruso: Productive off bench
Rotowire
Caruso ended with 10 points (3-7 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-3 FT), four rebounds and two assists across 28 minutes during Sunday's 92-87 win over the Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
Caruso's production has been all over the place in this series. Still, the second unit for the Thunder was pivotal in this win with Caruso, Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace combining to score 32 points. Through four games of this series, Caruso holds averages of 9.8 points, 2.5 assists, 1.8 rebounds, 0.8 blocks, 1.5 steals and 2.3 three-pointers in just 21.8 minutes.
... See More... See Less
Thunder's Alex Caruso: Elite two-way performance
Rotowire
Caruso recorded 20 points (7-12 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 1-2 FT), one rebound, six assists, two blocks and five steals across 26 minutes during Monday's 121-119 loss to the Nuggets in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
Caruso was fantastic despite the loss, providing elite production on both ends of the floor. He was one of only two Thunder players to score at least 20 points, while the seven combined steals and blocks marked a season high. Although he continues to come off the bench, Caruso's impact cannot be overstated, and he will likely play a key role for Oklahoma City as the series progresses.
... See More... See Less
Thunder's Alex Caruso: Pivotal performance in Game 3 win
Rotowire
Caruso amassed 10 points (4-7 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six rebounds, three assists, one block and four steals across 23 minutes during Thursday's 114-108 win over Memphis in Game 3 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Caruso turned in a vintage performance, tallying five defensive stats as the Thunder stole the victory against the Grizzlies. Despite an injury-plagued season, this is exactly why Oklahoma City acquired Caruso in the first place. His ability to play lock-down defense takes some of the pressure off Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. The two teams will face off again Saturday, where the Thunder will look to wrap up the series.
... See More... See Less
Thunder's Alex Caruso: Makes impact off bench
Rotowire
Caruso totaled 13 points (5-10 FG, 3-6 3Pt), four rebounds, three assists, one block and three steals over 22 minutes during Tuesday's 118-99 win over the Grizzlies in Game 2 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Caruso wasn't utilized much in Game 1 due to the lopsided score, playing 12 minutes without a single point. Game 2 was a little closer, however, and was more indicative of what Caruso's role could look like going forward.
... See More... See Less
Thunder's Alex Caruso: Will play Sunday vs. Memphis
Rotowire
Caruso (ankle) is not on the injury report ahead of Game 1 against the Grizzlies on Sunday.
Caruso didn't play in the Thunder's last two games of the regular season due to an ankle injury, but he's been cleared to play Sunday. The eight-year guard out of Texas A&M was limited to 54 games (three starts) due to various injuries. Still, he finished his first regular season with Oklahoma City averaging 7.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals over 19.3 minutes per contest.
... See More... See Less
Thunder's Alex Caruso: Expected to play Sunday
Rotowire
Caruso (ankle) is expected to play in the postseason.
Caruso missed the final two regular-season games, but his absences were likely precautionary, as the Thunder already had the No. 1 seed locked up. The defensive-minded guard averaged 7.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals in 19.3 minutes across 54 appearances (three starts) during his first regular season in Oklahoma City.
... See More... See Less
Thunder's Alex Caruso: Not playing Sunday
Rotowire
Caruso (ankle) is out for Sunday's game against the Pelicans.
Just like it happened Friday against the Jazz, the Thunder will rest most of their regular rotation members for this regular-season finale after securing the top seed in the Western Conference and the best record in the league. Caruso doesn't carry a lot of fantasy upside due to his defensive-minded role off the bench, but he's key to what the Thunder do on defense, so the focus should be to get him as healthy as possible for the start of the postseason on April 19.
... See More... See Less
Thunder's Alex Caruso: Sitting Friday
Rotowire
Caruso won't play in Friday's game against the Jazz due to a right ankle sprain.
Caruso presumably picked up a minor ankle injury during his last appearance Wednesday against the Suns, though it would also appear as though the club is trying to rest the rotation players leading up to the postseason. Adam Flagler and Ajay Mitchell should see chances to step up with Caruso, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace all ruled out.
... See More... See Less
Thunder's Alex Caruso: Starting vs. Phoenix
Rotowire
Caruso is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Suns, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.
The Thunder will be without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (lower leg), so Caruso will take his place in the lineup. Even if he's not expected to replicate his production, Caruso should experience a bump in his numbers. He's scored 14 points in his previous two starts this season, whereas his season average is only 6.8 per contest.
... See More... See Less
Thunder's Alex Caruso: Removed from injury report
Rotowire
Caruso (ankle) has been cleared to play in Friday's game against the Rockets.
After missing Wednesday's game against the Pistons due to an ankle issue, Caruso will be back on the floor Friday in Houston. The veteran guard is averaging 6.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 44.7 percent from the floor and 35.4 percent from beyond the arc.
... See More... See Less
Thunder's Alex Caruso: Ruled out against Detroit
Rotowire
Caruso (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Pistons.
Caruso is one of the notable players for the Thunder who will be sidelined for Wednesday's game against Detroit. Oklahoma City will likely lean on Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallace and Jalen Williams to help shoulder the load.
... See More... See Less
Thunder's Alex Caruso: Iffy for Wednesday
Rotowire
Caruso is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Pistons due to left ankle soreness.
Caruso is a late addition to the injury report, which is always a concern. The oft-injured wing missed only three games in March, but his playing time has dropped recently, averaging only 14.7 minutes a night over his last three games.
... See More... See Less
Thunder's Alex Caruso: Good to go Saturday
Rotowire
Caruso (back) will play Saturday against the Pacers.
Caruso played just 10 minutes in Thursday's game against the Grizzlies because of back soreness, but he was able to shake off a questionable tag for this contest. There's no word of any restrictions against the Pacers.
... See More... See Less
Thunder's Alex Caruso: Iffy for Saturday
Rotowire
Caruso (back) has been listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Pacers.
Caruso played only 10 minutes in Thursday's game against the Grizzlies because of back soreness. However, there's a chance the veteran guard won't miss more time due to the back issue given that he is listed as questionable for Saturday's matchup against Indiana.
... See More... See Less
Thunder's Alex Caruso: Notches 15 points
Rotowire
Caruso logged 15 points (5-8 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 3-3 FT), five rebounds, six assists and two blocks across 23 minutes during Tuesday's 121-105 win over the Kings.
Caruso retreated to the bench for this contest but still played a sizable role due to Aaron Wiggins (Achilles), Cason Wallace (knee) and Jalen Williams (hip) all being on the shelf. Caruso is heating up for the Thunder, posting top-75 value in nine-category formats over his last four games with 12.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.0 blocks and 1.3 three-pointers.
