😳 Alex Caruso really went RIGHT AT Victor Wembanyama… and somehow won the battle.

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😳 Alex Caruso really went RIGHT AT Victor Wembanyama… and somehow won the battle.

How Alex Caruso, OKC's agent of chaos, dared to conquer Victor Wembanyama and unleash the Thunder's elite depth - Yahoo SportsWhen the Oklahoma City Thunder needed energy, toughness, and composure in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, Alex Caruso delivered all three — directly against the most intimidating defender in basketball, Victor Wembanyama.

In Oklahoma City’s 122-113 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, Caruso once again proved why he remains one of the NBA’s ultimate playoff difference-makers.

The veteran guard repeatedly attacked Wembanyama without hesitation, doing what many players around the league avoid entirely.

One sequence perfectly captured Caruso’s mentality.

After diving for a loose ball, Caruso immediately pushed toward the rim directly at Wembanyama, finishing fearlessly despite the seven-footer waiting in the paint. Moments later, he knocked down a corner three with Wembanyama closing out nearby, then disrupted an entry pass defensively by denying position against the Spurs superstar.

The more difficult the challenge became, the more impactful Caruso seemed to get.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praised that mentality after the game, calling Caruso “a monster competitor” whose intensity rises with the stakes.

How Alex Caruso, OKC's agent of chaos, dared to conquer Victor Wembanyama and unleash the Thunder's elite depth - Yahoo Sports

Caruso finished with 17 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds while shooting an efficient 5-for-7 from the field. Impressively, every made basket came while Wembanyama was on the floor.

His impact extended far beyond scoring.

Caruso’s defensive pressure and communication helped fuel Oklahoma City’s relentless defensive effort, especially against rising Spurs star Stephon Castle, who committed nine turnovers in the loss. San Antonio finished with 21 total turnovers, leading directly to 27 Thunder points.

Meanwhile, Caruso’s versatility allowed Oklahoma City to unleash one of its greatest strengths: depth.

Because Caruso can effectively defend bigger players while also spacing the floor offensively, the Thunder were able to play smaller, faster lineups featuring players like Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain, and Cason Wallace.

The results overwhelmed San Antonio.

While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 30 points and 9 assists, Oklahoma City’s bench exploded for 57 points. Caruso, Wallace, McCain, and Jaylin Williams combined to make 12 of the Thunder’s 13 three-pointers.

Caruso also finished with a game-best +18 plus-minus, outperforming every Thunder starter.

Por qué Alex Caruso es el elegido para defender a Víctor Wembanyama - AS USA

His value to Oklahoma City has become impossible to ignore.

The Thunder outscored opponents by nearly 400 points during Caruso’s regular-season minutes, and the team has continued dominating when he’s on the floor during the playoffs.

Now, his importance may grow even further.

With Jalen Williams aggravating his left hamstring during Game 2, Oklahoma City could be forced to lean even more heavily on Caruso moving forward — whether as a starter or in expanded playoff minutes.

If Game 2 proved anything, it’s this: Oklahoma City’s championship hopes don’t rely only on stars.

Sometimes, they rely on the fearless veteran willing to challenge Victor Wembanyama head-on.

5/26/2026

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