Thunder's Alex Caruso singlehandedly propels OKC to historic comeback win over Grizzlies

Oklahoma City should've been about ready to close up shop.

The Thunder trailed the Grizzlies by 29 points in Game 3 of the first round. Memphis was rocking with its team back home and playing well.

But then Alex Caruso happened.

Caruso, one of the prime examples of an NBA player whose impact goes beyond the box score, propelled OKC all the way back from 29 down to win and take a commanding 3-0 series lead.

The basic stats tell a pretty good story.

Caruso went for 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, four steals and a block while making 4-of-7 shots.

In plus/minus, Caruso was +19 in the second half.

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

He also just found a way to make winning plays in the fourth quarter, getting his hand on basketballs over and over again.

He iced the game with one more brilliant defensive play.

With the Thunder up three, Caruso knocked the ball away from Scotty Pippen Jr. to force a held ball.

And on the ensuing possession, Caruso leaked out for a long pass and a game-clinching layup.

The Thunder have doubters as a team that hasn't been a superstar bunch in the playoffs before.

But Caruso has been here before. He played with the Lakers and LeBron James. He knows about big expectations.

So even if the NBA world doesn't expect Caruso to do big things, he expects them of himself.

And his winning plays on Thursday night made all the difference for the Thunder.

MORE NBA NEWS:

• Hawks' Dyson Daniels robbed of DPOY
• Best Kenny Atkinson ref reaction
• Meet Warriors' lacrosse player turned rotation guy Pat Spencer
• This Pistons-Pope Francis stat is unbelievable