Domineering, Thunder Caruso is ready to "try to death" against Jokic

Why did Thunder veteran defender Alex Caruso say that in Game 7, he was ready to "fight to death" against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets?

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso played a major role in defending Denver Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic. In the fiercely competitive series between the Thunder and the Nuggets, the Oklahoma City Thunder pays more attention to the cooperation between the offense and defense. After a tough game against Jokic and the Nuggets in Game 7, it will take longer for Caruso to recover.

According to Barstool's Pardon My Take podcast, Caruso admitted that he was exhausted by a second round of defense against Jokic before the Western Conference Finals.

"I was exhausted after Game 7. I'm not lying to you. That was the most exhausting thing I've had since the playoffs," Caruso said. "Before the first game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jokic played 25-30 minutes, and then played the first game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and I didn't fully recover. Fortunately, our team was in a very good shape. So I'm pretty good at 85-90% of the state now. But, brother, I'm really exhausted."

Facing Jokic and the Nuggets' match, Caruso will not let fatigue prevent the Thunder from advancing to the Western Conference Finals.

"In Game 7, we were playing a game the next day and then we had two days to rest and recover," Caruso added. "So, I was thinking throughout the game, 'I'd like to die on this field if it was necessary.' Fatigue won't be a reason for us to win the game. But there were a few times when I took the ball, and I was like pressing him, and luckily, our team defense was great.

"There were a few times when I would run from him, from under him, and like, that guy, I don't know what his official weight is, but he's like a strong offensive tackle. “He is unshakable,” Caruso concluded.

The Thunder eventually defeated the Timberwolves 4-2 and advanced to the NBA Finals. The truth about Alex Caruso's "ruthless" against Nikola Jokic after the Thunder's victory

After winning Game 7, Thunder veteran Alex Caruso talked about how to defend Nikola Jokic. Caruso said he tried his best when the playoffs were in jeopardy.

"He's a different opponent because he's going to get his teammates involved in a lot of different ways and influence the game." "So, for me, it's all for the game," Caruso said. "There's nothing to be left to linger. This is Game 7, right? So, you either advance to the next round or you get the start of this summer. So, for me, I just need to persevere and stay physically."

Caruso and the Thunder will have plenty of time to rest and prepare for the Pacers in the NBA Finals.