May 18, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder fans cheer for Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) after he forced a Denve Nuggets turnover in the first quarter during game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Alex Caruso Joins NBA History in Nuggets-Thunder Game 7

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI | By Jed Katz | Last updated May 18, 2025 8:52 PM ET

Plenty of history was made during Sunday's Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets. Oklahoma City blew the doors off of Denver, winning 125-93 and advancing to the team's first Western Conference Finals appearance since 2016.

The Nuggets were heavily outmatched on both sides of the floor. While they put up just 93 points with MVP candidate Nikola Jokic concluding with 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists on just nine shots, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Thunder with 35 points on 12-of-19 shooting.

One of the more underrated aspects of Game 7 was the impact of Alex Caruso. The first-year Thunder guard didn't wow anyone with his box score, but he was everything for Oklahoma City off the bench. The 31-year-old finished with 11 points, three assists, and three steals on 5-of-7 shooting from the field.

CARUSO WITH THE STEAL
SGA SLAMS IT HOME

OKC's defense today has been CLUTCH on ABC! pic.twitter.com/7720A958Mg
— NBA (@NBA) May 18, 2025

Caruso made history despite his traditional numbers not being particularly eye-popping. However, his advanced stats were off the charts. He became the third player in league history to have a +40 box plus/minus in a Game 7.

Alex Caruso becomes just the 3rd player in NBA history to be +40 in a Game 7.

He’s the first bench player to do so. pic.twitter.com/JMJG9RTHmn
— Real Sports (@realapp_) May 18, 2025

The main reasons the Thunder traded Josh Giddey to acquire Caruso last summer were for defense and experience. The former Chicago Bull and Los Angeles Laker has plenty of postseason experience, winning a championship in 2020.

Caruso also contributes at the highest level on defense. His specialties are playing physical and being a pest against the league's best, while knocking down timely shots. He showed that today against Jokic and the Nuggets.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: