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When assessing the Thunder's roster ahead of their Game 1 joust with the Spurs, one would've likely predicted one of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jaylen Williams, Chet Holmgren or Ajay Mitchell to finish as the team's top scorers on the night.
That didn't quite come to fruition. Oklahoma City's core toiled while matched up against the likes of Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper and, of course, Victor Wembanyama.
The Thunder needed a savior to provide respite against San Antonio's harrowing defense. They found it in the form of a 32-year-old bald man who averaged just 6.2 points per game in 2025-26.
With that, here's what you need to know about Alex Caruso's eye-catching display in Game 1.
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Alex Caruso stats today
Final score: Spurs 122, Thunder 115
- Minutes: 32
- Points: 31
- Rebounds: 2
- Assists: 1
- Turnovers: 2
- Steals: 2
- Blocks: 2
- Fouls: 2
- FG: 11-19
- 3FG: 8-14
- FT: 1-3
Caruso came alive on Monday night, producing a career-best postseason showing to power Oklahoma City's comeback efforts. A two-time champion, Caruso's playoff exploits are already the stuff of legend. Typically, he has shined as a point-of-attack defender capable of splashing the occasional three. He is your proverbial three-and-D man, one of the best in the league.
He showed a different side of his game in Game 1, however. With Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Holmgren all struggling at different points, Caruso often proved the steadiest hand in the Thunder's attack. He shattered his previous career-high in postseason scoring, tallying a team-high 30 on the night.
On the defensive side of the ball, Caruso was dogged. He primarily matched up against Victor Wembanyama, serving as a lively — albeit somewhat ineffective — deterrent against the Spurs supernova.
Caruso didn't have enough to lead the Thunder back against San Antonio. But he put forth a performance like few others would've predicted him to prior to tip-off.
Alex Caruso highlights vs. Spurs
Caruso did it all against San Antonio, providing highlights on both ends of the floor. From three pointers to stocks, Caruso was dominant — even when his team wasn't.
Here's a look back at his epic showing:
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 19, 2026THIS TWEET IS ALSO ABOUT ALEX CARUSO pic.twitter.com/qypdswF263
— Nekias (Nuh-KAI-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) May 19, 2026I AM RUNNING OUT OF THINGS TO TWEET ABOUT ALEX CARUSO pic.twitter.com/wREyWQGgJ0
— Nekias (Nuh-KAI-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) May 19, 2026That is eight 3s now for Alex Caruso lol pic.twitter.com/beZcJgIscL
— Nekias (Nuh-KAI-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) May 19, 2026— NBA (@NBA) May 19, 2026The touch pass + clip combo from Alex Caruso..good lord what a game from him pic.twitter.com/Meapsy29NB
— Nekias (Nuh-KAI-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) May 19, 2026
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