Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Alex Caruso Confident in Team’s Game 7 Readiness Against Spurs OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso expressed confidence in his team’s ability to handle the high-stakes challenge of Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. Despite facing the absence of key players Jalen Williams and guard Ajay Mitchell, Caruso emphasized the resilience and determination of his teammates, drawing on the Thunder’s experience in critical playoff moments. The defending champions, who previously won two Game 7s—including their 2023 NBA Finals victory—will host the Spurs in a decisive matchup on Saturday. Caruso highlighted the collective mindset of the Thunder’s roster, noting that each player is prepared to prioritize team success over individual accolades. “It puts you at ease knowing that you’re going to get the best from each guy,” he said. “They’re going to go out there and put their best foot forward and do what they need to do to sacrifice for the team to try to win the game, which is all you can do. All you can ask for is to go out there and play your best. Let the results fall where they may.” He added that the locker room’s intensity and unity make him confident the team is “ready to go to war for each other.” While the Thunder’s experience in Game 7 scenarios is a strength, Caruso acknowledged the inherent pressure of such moments. “You don’t want to be comfortable in a Game 7,” he cautioned. “If you’re comfortable, you’re probably not edgy enough. You probably don’t have a high enough sense of urgency.” This mindset reflects the Spurs’ reputation as a formidable opponent, a team that finished the regular season with the NBA’s second-best record.#san_antonio_spurs #oklahoma_city_thunder #jalen_williams #ajay_mitchell #alex_caruso
Oklahoma City Thunder Take 2-1 Series Lead in Western Conference Finals with Bench Dominance The Oklahoma City Thunder extended their lead in the Western Conference finals with a 123-108 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, securing a 2-1 series advantage. The win, achieved on the road, highlighted the Thunder’s resilience and the explosive contributions of their bench unit, which set a franchise playoff record with 76 points. The game, played in San Antonio, saw the Thunder overcome a strong start by the Spurs and deliver a decisive performance in the second half. The Spurs opened the game with a 15-point run, appearing poised to dominate. However, Oklahoma City’s coaching staff, led by Mark Daigneault, quickly turned to their reserves, sparking a turnaround that shifted the momentum in the Thunder’s favor. The bench, featuring Alex Caruso, Jared McCain, Cason Wallace, and Jaylin Williams, played a pivotal role in the comeback. Williams, in particular, delivered a four-point play midway through the fourth quarter that put the Thunder up by 15, a moment McCain called a “huge momentum-shifter.” McCain, a trade-deadline acquisition from Philadelphia, was instrumental in the Thunder’s resurgence. He scored 24 points, making 8 of 11 shots from beyond the arc, and showcased his playoff confidence. Daigneault praised McCain’s ability to “take your punches and keep throwing them,” noting his composure under pressure. “He’s jumped right on the train,” Daigneault said. “He’s got playoff confidence, obviously.” Williams, who scored 18 points on five 3-pointers, also played a critical role. His contributions, combined with the bench’s overall dominance, allowed the Thunder to outscore the Spurs 183-64 in the series so far.#san_antonio_spurs #oklahoma_city_thunder #jared_mccain #mark_daigneault #alex_caruso
