Latest news with #AlexCaruso
Forbes
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Alex Caruso Details The ‘Resilience' Of Oklahoma City Thunder After Winning 2025 NBA Finals
Alex Caruso details the difference between this championship win with the Oklahoma City Thunder and ... More his win with the Los Angeles Lakers. (Photo by) The Oklahoma City Thunder are likely just getting started when it comes to celebrating championships. The Thunder were the youngest team (25.6 years) in 50 years to reach the NBA Finals when they defeated the Indiana Pacers in seven games, winning their first championship since the franchise moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City. Considering their core group of players, 23-year-old Chet Holmgren, 24-year-old Jalen Williams and 26-year-old Shai-Gilgeous Alexander are all in their primes or just entering it, it's not far-fetched to say the Thunder could potentially be at the beginning of a dynasty. The 'old man' of the group, 31-year-old Alex Caruso, joined the team before the start of the season after a trade for Josh Giddey. Caruso had spent the past three seasons with the Chicago Bulls. The veteran guard details his fit on this young Thunder squad, with him and Kenrich Williams being the only players over the age of 30. 'Adjusting to the team was relatively easy once I got here,' says Caruso. 'I just started building those relationships with the guys. I'm pretty unserious off the court as well. I probably don't show it as much as they do, but that part, I fit in pretty well. On the court, it made it easier because we realized everybody was focused on the same thing. Everyone's really competitive. For me, it was pretty seamless once I got here after a month or two.' The Thunder completed a historic season in which they set an NBA record for average margin of victory (12.9 points per game) while racking up a franchise record 68 wins during the regular season. Oklahoma City features mostly home-grown products, including reigning MVP Gilgeous-Alexander, with a few veterans such as Caruso sprinkled in. He details the difference between this Thunder team and the veteran-heavy Los Angeles Lakers squad that he won a championship with back in 2020. That Lakers team featured future Hall of Famers in LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Caruso cracked a sarcastic joke following the Thunder's title win that he finally got a 'real one." The joke is in reference to the Lakers winning their title in the championship bubble. 'That's what makes the city, the fan base, the team so special,' says Caruso of Oklahoma City. "It's just from the roots. That Lakers team was more or less picked from who he wanted to take and signed a bunch of veterans that were going to the Hall of Fame, or had won a championship before. 'This one was second round draft picks, a handful of undrafted, traded guys, a couple free agents,' Caruso continues to say of how this Thunder team was put together. 'It was pieced together a little more meticulously. A lot of the guys on this team are just starting the beginning of great careers, whereas the other guys (the Lakers) were on the end runs.' Caruso played a pivotal role during the team's run to a championship, stepping out of his usual role as a defensive-oriented, high-energy role player into an offensive force. Caruso scored 20 points apiece in Game 3 and Game 5 victories. By comparison, he averaged 7.1 points per game during the regular season and 9.2 points per game during the playoff run. Although they were heavily favored in the series, it took seven games for the Thunder to put away the pesky Pacers – even despite Tyrese Haliburton playing through injury and eventually suffering a torn Achilles in Game 7. Oklahoma City lost Game 1 after blowing a 15-point lead in the first quarter and trailed the series 2-to-1 at one point. 'For me personally, the amount of effort that I put in and the sacrifice I put in to win it, because it's necessary and I hope that doesn't go unnoticed,' says Caruso of what he hopes people remember from this Finals performance. "For the team, just the resilience. We obviously had a really good regular season, but postseason is different. 'There's ups and downs, and we had the highest highs, won by 50,' Caruso continues to say. 'We lost one game by 40, and then came back and won the next game. Just to be able to battle through the storm and stay together, I think is the biggest thing.' The Thunder have already opened as overwhelming favorites to win the 2026 NBA Finals at +220 odds, according to ESPN Bet. Just days after winning the championship and celebrating with the city for the title parade, Caruso soaked in the victory even further with fans while working a 'shift' at an Oklahoma City Raising Cane's. Caruso talked about the importance of the community in Oklahoma City and how loyal the fans are to the team. The Thunder are only three years removed from finishing with a 24-58 record, the second-worst mark in the Western Conference. 'The importance of coming out and sharing with the community is just because how much of they support us every single game this year, no matter who we were playing, whether it was the worst team in the league or it was a TV game on a Saturday night, they sold out the arena,' says Caruso. 'They're chanting, they're yelling, they're screaming for us. It's tangible, and it's real, and you can feel it. I think all the guys on the team are very, very mature for their age, and understanding of how special that is.' Alex Caruso while celebrating with fans during "shift" at Raising Cane's following the Oklahoma City ... More Thunder's championship victory. (Photo byfor Raising Cane's) Caruso – who previously played in big market cities such as Los Angeles and Chicago – explains what makes this small market team in Okalhoma City so special. 'Oklahoma City is going to be a big city,' says Caruso. "We're getting a new building downtown. It's going to be the world's tallest building or something. It's really cool. I've compared it Texas high school football when there's a game, the city shuts down and everyone's just focused on that one thing. The love and support carries with that," Caruso continues to say. 'That's one of the coolest things, is it's 10 am a couple days after the season's over, and there's a couple hundred people outside of Raising Canes waiting to see me just to say hi because we won a championship. That doesn't go unnoticed.'
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Alex Caruso goes viral after saving Oklahoma City Thunder's locker room celebration
The Oklahoma City Thunder may have taken home the 2025 NBA championship, but their locker room celebration after the win had fans laughing more than cheering. The champagne showers that usually follow a 7 victory didn't go as expected. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Instead of smooth pops and sprays, players struggled to open bottles until Alex Caruso stepped in. What followed was a viral moment, and now, Caruso is opening up about it with a smile and some solid advice for young players. Alex Caruso steps in as the unexpected MVP of the party On Sunday night, June 22, the Oklahoma City Thunder won the NBA Finals in Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers. The game happened at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. After the victory, the team went back to the wardrobe to celebrate, but things did not go as well as expected. The players were all pumped for the classic champagne moment, but when it came time to pop the bottles, most didn't know what to do. It turned into a light, funny scene with lots of smiles, a bit of confusion, and everyone just figuring it out together. That's when 31 year old Alex Caruso went in to help. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard showed his younger teammates how to do it and made the party go. The teammates laughed when he helped them pop the bottles. The moment was caught on video and spread quickly online. TMZ Sports was the first to report it. Alex Caruso praises Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and calls out celebration slip-up Alex Caruso spoke with TMZ Sports while working a shift at Raising Cane's in Oklahoma City, part of a celebratory event with fans. During the event, Caruso was asked about the locker room moment after the big win. Caruso smiled and admitted, 'It was not a great showing,' referring to the team's struggles with the champagne. But he added confidently, 'We'll be better the next time around. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Whenever that is.' This was Caruso's second NBA title, and he's enjoying the moment. He shared that life since winning the championship has been busy but exciting. 'It's been a blur,' he said, still smiling. Alex Caruso also praised his teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named Finals MVP. 'Shai's competitiveness is something else,' he said. 'He just never gives up.' Aside from the celebration talk, Caruso gave heartfelt advice to players who weren't picked in the 2025 NBA Draft held on Wednesday, June 25. 'Not getting drafted doesn't mean it's over,' he said. 'Keep working. Stay ready. Your time can still come.' Alex Caruso's leadership shows up in more ways than just basketball. He knows when to step up, even in the locker room after a big win. The Thunder's champagne celebration might not have gone smoothly this time, but with someone like Caruso around, they'll know exactly what to do the next time they win it all. Also Read:
Fox News
a day ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Thunder star explains team's mentality after Tyrese Haliburton injury, addresses viral melancholy celebrations
The Indiana Pacers were the definition of blood, sweat and tears throughout their postseason run. They went all the way to Game 7 of the NBA Finals thanks to amazing comebacks and unforgettable moments. Tyrese Haliburton had a few of those, both positive and negative. He had two series-changing shots in the playoffs, but playing with a bum calf in Game 7 on Sunday, he tore his Achilles in the first quarter. While the Pacers' best man went down, Indiana was unfazed for quite a while. Leading at halftime, it sure looked like they had some added motivation. The Oklahoma City Thunder pulled away late to win their first title since they were the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979, but they certainly did not take the Pacers – or their extra boost – lightly. "Honestly, there wasn't too much time to think about it. We were in the middle of battling, our season was on the line. I think we just tried to focus on what it would look like without him out there," Alex Caruso said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. "We knew they had guys that were plenty capable, and clearly they did. They gave us a run for our money until the end. We knew they weren't going to give up." The Thunder, with MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a 68-win season, were heavy favorites to win the series, but the "Sunday scaries" were in full effect. "Just the way the series unfolded, it was kind of unpredictable. But the way their postseason had gone, they blew teams out they weren't supposed to beat, they had crazy comebacks in games they weren't supposed to win. I don't think we underestimated them by any stretch on our side. We expected them to be a really tough out, and it came to be true," Caruso continued. Caruso was at a local Raising Cane's to help work a shift, 24 hours after their title parade. "Right back to work. The grind doesn't stop," he said. "It's great. Before I even showed up, there was a line of hundreds of people sitting there waiting in anticipation. The love is felt, and it's been a lot of fun." And yes, the Thunder celebrated plenty, despite viral videos on social media of them reacting rather nonchalantly. "There's a couple hangovers and a lot of waters post-parade," he admitted. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Alex Caruso Throws Subtle Shade On Lakers' 2020 Ring; Addresses LeBron James' Comparisons With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Alex Caruso Throws Subtle Shade On Lakers' 2020 Ring; Addresses LeBron James' Comparisons With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Alex Caruso, the oldest player on the young Thunder team (31 years old), secured his second NBA championship ring after they beat the Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. A spark on the court off the bench, Caruso had crucial performances in this series, like Games 2 and 4, where his contributions ensured the Thunder won the game. Advertisement After celebrating the championship win with his Thunder teammates, Caruso spoke to the media about his initial thoughts on the second championship ring. While he may not be discounting his 2020 NBA ring himself, he feels this championship with the Thunder was tougher than the one he won with LeBron James and the Lakers. 'Yeah, now I got a real one. Now nobody can say anything. Yeah, I think just because of the way the team is constructed now versus the team I had in 2020, like it was much harder with this team just because of the experience, right? And everybody talked about you need experience, win a championship, and you need this, that, and the other. And I said multiple times through the postseason with this team that the good basketball is good basketball, winning basketball is winning basketball. And the best team can win no matter what happens." 'If you go out there and execute and do the stuff that you need to do to win the game. And I think through the playoffs, this team grew up and learned on the fly, which most teams have to learn through losses and learn through defeats. And I think this team learned through success.' Another reporter then asked him what he thought about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander potentially having a LeBron James-like impact on the league. Advertisement "Comparing to LeBron is a crazy start just 'cause LeBron was anointed at 18 years old and surpassed everything that has ever been put in front of him," Caruso said. "As far as face of the league and best player on best team, SGA's got that capability." Alex Caruso had 10 points in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, but his three steals were key momentum shifters in the game. His defensive skills are more likely the reason he has an NBA contract instead of his offensive contributions. But teams should not mistake that as his inability to contribute offensively, especially from deep. He has averaged over 40% from deep in three of the eight years he has been in the league. Of course, objectively, there can be no comparison between James and Gilgeous-Alexander as they are both at different points in time in their careers, as well as playing in different positions. But in the big picture scenario, considering how historic of a season SGA is having, he has put himself in the same conversation that LeBron James entered years ago about being the face of the league. The 26-year-old star averaged 30.3 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds in seven games as he secured the Bill Russell Finals MVP Award. While names like LeBron, Curry, and Durant still run the league's commercial business, in terms of dominance on the court, converting to winning, Gilgeous-Alexander is undoubtedly the face of the next generation of superstars from the NBA. Related: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Eclipses Michael Jordan And LeBron James In Game 5 Win Against Pacers This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
The NBA's Parody Intentions May Be Thunderstruck
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JUNE 22: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder ... More celebrates with the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player trophy after defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 22, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) The Oklahoma City Thunder became the seventh different NBA champion in the last seven years. There are now nine teams that have lifted the Larry O'Brien Trophy in Adam Silver's 12 years as the league's commissioner. In his predecessor, David Stern's, 30 years in that role, there were only eight franchises to reach the NBA's mountaintop. The Association has become geared towards parody. Helping enforce that is a more punitive collecting bargaining agreement. However, if one organization stands defiantly in the way, rekindling the days of dynasties, the team to bet on is Oklahoma City. The Thunder reached the championship summit early. League and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is just entering his prime at 26. His co-stars, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, are 23 and 22 respectively. While they had two 30-year-olds on their roster, Alex Caruso and Kenrich Williams, no one else was older than 26. They also have a treasure chest of draft picks at their disposal. That draft capital included picks 15 and 24 in this year's first round. They utilized the former to add Thomas Sorber. Capable of playing at power forward and center, the six-foot-nine former Georgetown Hoya has a pterodactyl-like seven-foot-six wingspan. It's not uncommon to see players bounce off him before they get their shot blocked. Sorber also has a high-revving motor and an impressive feel for the game. Oklahoma City traded pick No. 24 to the Sacramento Kings, who selected Nique Clifford, a guard from Colorado State. Here are the details of what the Thunder received. There are also already players on the recently crowned champions' roster who are waiting in the wings to become contributors. Nikola Topic, 19, was a well-regarded prospect and the 12th pick in last year's draft. He spent this season recovering from a torn ACL. However, the six-foot-six guard is a dynamic talent. He also possesses a feel for the game that will enable him to join this title team's rotation immediately. Ousmane Dieng, 22, who Oklahoma City moved up to select one spot before taking Jalen Williams in 2022, could also go from developing in the background to the extended rotation. The six-foot-10 Dieng is capable of contributing at the four and the five. The Thunder's future financially Perhaps this is a team that will rule the NBA for the next three to five years before falling back to the pack. That's still an impressive outcome, especially in an era where title teams are struggling to advance beyond the second round the following season. Maybe Oklahoma City doesn't evolve into a dynasty. In either scenario, look to the finances. Williams and Holmgren, members of the same draft class, are in line for five-year extensions worth an estimated $247 million. Those would take effect in 2026-27. Gilgeous-Alexander's supermax extension will start in 2027-28. He could be on the books for $65.5 million per year. His top two running mates could have an average annual value of $46 million. That's $157.5 million for three players in a campaign where a rough projection is the second apron is around $230 million. While there is the possibility of players taking discounts, what it speaks to more is the importance of Williams and Holmgren elevating their play. The former dropped 40 points in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. As Williams' second playoff trip progressed, his scoring and facilitating matured. Holmgren was outstanding defensively in the playoffs, including against the Indiana Pacers. It's still paramount both are just scratching the surface when it comes to converting their potential into production. Team options, including for Isaiah Hartenstein and Lu Dort, create a path to shedding salary and retaining players. The latter also applies to deals that start with a club option getting declined before signing a multi-year pact at a reasonable rate. Still, the Thunder will need young players, like Cason Wallace, and who at least some of their future picks turn into, to provide the necessary impact to offset future departures, which could include Dort, while keeping the team at the forefront of championship contention. The failure to execute on that front could quickly undermine Oklahoma City's hopes for a dynasty. A potential loss the Thunder might not recover from Injuries are a caveat of concern. That's understood, especially after seeing Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, and Damian Lillard tear their Achilles this postseason. But what if the franchise loses its architect? On a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated mentioned the idea of one of the expansion franchises, expected to join the NBA soon, trying to lure executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti from Oklahoma City. "Let's just assume Vegas and Seattle [are the expansion teams]; everyone believes that's how it's going to play out," said Mannix. "If you're the new Sonics, what's Sam Presti worth?" "A piece of the team," Simmons quickly answered. Maybe Presti doesn't want to leave the Thunder. An offer like that could also provide the leverage that leads to him gaining equity in the organization he has helped build. However, if he left, that would be more concerning than the roster-building restrictions of the league's collective bargaining agreement. While that's an unsettling thought for Thunder fans, it may never come to fruition. The same is true for the other potential obstacles that could stand in the way of them ushering in a dynasty. From a youthful roster that has already reached championship heights to a treasure chest of draft picks and a brilliant architect, they have the tools at their disposal and the people in place to provide plenty of company for the banner they will raise on opening night next year.
