The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a statement 125-93 victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals, advancing to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Conference Finals. OKC was led by leading MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished the night with 35 points on 12-of-19 shooting.
The Thunder's defensive prowess, anchored by veteran guard Alex Caruso, played a pivotal role in stifling the Nuggets' offense, particularly limiting the impact of Nikola Jokic.
Caruso's defensive assignments included containing Jokic, who was held to 20 points on 5-of-9 shooting, a testament to his defensive tenacity. His ability to disrupt the Nuggets' offensive flow was crucial in the Thunder's decisive win.
Oklahoma City Thunder players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Alex Caruso
Oklahoma City Thunder players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and Alex Caruso (9)
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Following Sunday's win, the Lakers' decision to let Caruso walk in the 2021 offseason has come under renewed scrutiny. Despite his contributions to the Lakers' 2020 championship run, Caruso was offered a two-year, $15 million deal, significantly less than the four-year, $37 million contract he eventually signed with the Chicago Bulls (h/t NBA.com).
Fans took to social media to call out the Lakers' front office for their reluctance to match the Bulls' offer in 2021.
"Caruso supposed to be a career Laker man... THT smh @Lakers @KlutchSports," one fan wrote.
"Caruso becoming a Jokic stopper is one final knife to the heart for Lakers fans," another fan added.
"Friendly reminder: Alex Caruso wanted to be a Laker..Jeanie Buss didn’t think he was worth the investment.. And the Lakers have been searching for a guy like him since he exited," a third fan said.
Caruso also made NBA history in Game 7, adding to the frustration from Lakers fans.
"I’ll never forgive the Lakers for the letting Caruso go," another fan mentioned.
"Lakers really let Caruso go for THT," a fan remarked.
"Can’t believe my lakers let Caruso walk man," another fan posted.
Caruso's journey from the Lakers to the Bulls, and now to the Thunder, has seen him evolve into a defensive stalwart. His impact on the Thunder's young roster has been profound, providing veteran presence and defensive intensity that has now propelled the team into their first Conference Finals since 2016.