In 2024, the Thunder had become the youngest team in the history of the NBA to finish first in the Western Conference. Despite this great regular season, the lack of experience was cruelly felt in the playoffs and OKC had been picked up by the Wolves in the second round of the Playoffs.
In the offseason, Sam Presti, the GM of OKC, wanted to compensate for this lack and he had set his sights on Alex Carusosacrificing Josh Giddey for that. At 30, the outside has already won a title. It was with the Lakers in 2020 and he intends to bring this experience as a champion to this young Thunder team.
“In playoffs, it has much more. A defeat in the regular season because you planted yourself at the end of the match, you can move on and live with it, saying to yourself 'ok, we will learn from that and improve'. But if it costs you a game in playoffs, there, it is much more important. “”, explains Alex Caruso. “It goes beyond simply going to the field, playing quickly and scoring the most points. You have to take into account all the small details. »»
The experience of the winning
During the Lakers 2020 title, Alex Caruso had the opportunity to evolve with LeBron James or Rajon Rondo who gave him valuable advice. Today, he uses it on the side of the Thunder. Thus, when the former Bull is on the bench, it is not uncommon to see him say to his teammates how to attack the defense of the evening opponent.
“It comes from the veterans I played with. I was not the one who was a candidate for an All-Defensive Team or who played 30 minutes a night, but I was trying to stay in the league by all means and this resulted in elements that allow you to win matches. It puts the team in a position where she can take advantage of each possessions of the meeting. »»
With the addition of Alex Caruso andIsaiah Hartenstein, The Thunder has gone from a young and ambitious team to a team that has a piece of experience, essential to win a title.
“Last year, they were competitive and they did everything to be a good team. In addition, the front office has seen a way to develop this group even more. I think we have improved and continue. »»
The Thunder started its playoffs strongly with an almost historic victory against Memphis and confirms its favorite position in the title. With an Alex Caruso extended for four years, OKC hopes to bet on this continuity to win one or more rings in the coming years.
| Alex Caruso | Percentage | Rebound | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | Lf | Off | Def | Early | PD | Fte | Int | COP | Ct | Pts |
| 2017-18 | Lal | 37 | 15 | 43.1 | 30.2 | 70.0 | 0.4 | 1.4 | 1.8 | 2.0 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 3.6 |
| 2018-19 | Lal | 25 | 21 | 44.5 | 48.0 | 79.7 | 0.8 | 1.9 | 2.7 | 3.1 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 9.2 |
| 2019-20 | Lal | 64 | 18 | 41.2 | 33.3 | 73.4 | 0.3 | 1.7 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 5.5 |
| 2020-21 | Lal | 58 | 21 | 43.6 | 40.1 | 64.5 | 0.5 | 2.4 | 2.9 | 2.8 | 1.9 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 6.4 |
| 2021-22 | Chi | 41 | 28 | 39.8 | 33.3 | 79.5 | 0.8 | 2.8 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 2.6 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 7.4 |
| 2022-23 | Chi | 67 | 24 | 45.5 | 36.4 | 80.8 | 0.6 | 2.3 | 2.9 | 2.9 | 2.4 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 5.6 |
| 2023-24 | Chi | 71 | 29 | 46.8 | 40.8 | 76.0 | 0.9 | 3.0 | 3.8 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 10.1 |
| 2024-25 | Okc | 54 | 19 | 44.6 | 35.3 | 82.4 | 0.7 | 2.2 | 2.9 | 2.5 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 7.1 |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = minutes; Shots = successful shots / tempted shots; 3pts = 3-point / 3-point attempted; LF = Successful free throws / Trute-free throws; Off = offensive rebound; Def = defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; PD = assists; FTE: Personal faults; Int = interceptions; BP = lost bullets; CT: against; Pts = points.
