Not Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, Thunder’s unexpected X-factor is fueling their playoff run

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Sure, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander is a big reason why the Oklahoma City Thunder are just one win away from clinching a date against the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, but there is one man who has proven to be the X-factor since the start of the playoffs.

The Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5, getting an edge of 3-2 in the seven-game series. SGA posted an insane stat line, but teammate Alex Caruso is quietly pushing the Thunder's campaign deep into the postseason despite a poor regular season.

Caruso managed to shoot just 29.3 percent from the 3-point line during the regular season. However, in the playoffs, the guard has shot 47.7% from three. That's an insane 18.4% jump and a big reason why the Thunder won Game 5 against the Spurs.

Alex Caruso is shooting 47.7% from three in the playoffs... he shot just 29.3% in the regular season.

An 18.4% jump 😳 pic.twitter.com/4EICq1vaVz

— Underdog (@Underdog) May 27, 2026

MORE: Victor Wembanyama leaves Shai Gilgeous-Alexander searching for answers

Alex Caruso blasts past Spurs to land Thunder an advantage

Alex Caruso played 28 minutes in Game 5, scoring 22 points on 5-10 shooting from the field, including 4-8 from the 3-point line. The Thunder star also contributed two rebounds, six assists and three steals.

The incredible contribution off the bench is exactly what the Thunder needed to give them an edge over Victor Wembanyama & Co.

Caruso played most minutes since Game 1 against the Spurs, which the Thunder lost. Even in that game, the bench player finished with 31 points on 11-19 shooting, including 8-14 from the three.

He only played 14 minutes in Game 4, but head coach Mark Daigneault gave him the deserved minutes in Game 5. Surely, he didn't disappoint, putting the Thunder just one win away from getting back to the NBA Finals consecutively.