Thunder substitute Caruso: Great Wall on the defensive end

In the NBA Finals G5, the Oklahoma City Thunder returned to home to defeat the Indiana Pacers 120-109. This key victory allowed the Thunder to rewrite the total score of the series to 3-2, achieving the match point and taking the initiative. The Pacers need to defeat their opponents in G6 to push the series to a tiebreak.

Although Thunder substitute outside player Alex Caruso has a poor shooting touch during the game, he has shown excellent personal defense. Caruso made 1 of 8 shooting percentage and 0 of 3 three-point shooting percentage, contributed 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals and 1 block, and had 1 turnover and 3 fouls at the same time, with a plus or negative value of +8. Although he performed mediocrely on the offensive end and failed to show his talents, Caruso showed extremely high concentration and aggressiveness on the defensive end, becoming one of the key factors for the Thunder to win.

In the NBA regular season this season, Caruso played 54 times due to injury, averaging 19.3 minutes per game, with a data of 7.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.6 blocks, with a shooting percentage of 44.6%, a three-point shooting percentage of 35.3%, and a free throw shooting percentage of 82.4%. In the playoffs, he averaged 24.2 minutes per game, with 9.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.5 blocks, 45.9% shooting percentage, 41.7% from three-pointers, and 79.5% free throw percentage.

Caruso performed stably in the playoffs, especially on the defensive end. He has outstanding scoring ability and has made significant progress in steals. As a substitute, Caruso plays an indispensable role in the Thunder lineup. The deal is an underrated acquisition, and the Thunder are continuing to move towards the championship with the outstanding performance of players such as Caruso.