Alex Caruso (Image Credit: Imagn Images)

Alex Caruso Pulls Off Wild Defensive Tactic to Contest Tristan da Silva’s Shot

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Kenny Nosay | Last updated Mar 18, 2026 12:56 AM ET

The question in everybody’s mind right now is whether an NBA player can use an accessory to steal or block the ball. The answer is no, but it didn’t stop OKC Thunder’s Alex Caruso from using his shoe to block Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva’s shot on a play.

While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s latest scoring feat may be the highlight that fans see nowadays, his teammate, Alex Caruso, has generated an impromptu defensive play against the Magic, which has now gone viral. Tristan da Silva thought he had a clear path for a layup, but Caruso took a swipe at the ball using his shoe.

Alex Caruso with an interesting method of defense pic.twitter.com/ru2Yj3GLne
— The Magic Way (@MagicFilmRoom) March 17, 2026

The Magic announcers were dumbfounded about whether Caruso’s actions were allowed. One even stated that he hasn’t seen anything like it. After the play, the referees issued a technical foul to the 32-year-old. Orlando was awarded a trip to the line.

The Oklahoma City Thunder held on to win against the Orlando Magic, 113-108. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a game-high 40 points. Chet Holmgren chipped in with 20. Paolo Banchero paced the losing squad with 32 markers.

Alex Caruso is OKC’s Second ‘Enforcer’ Off the Bench

Not many teams around the league have so-called ‘enforcers.’ These are the kind of guys who are not afraid to rough it up on the floor, especially against stars. While teams like the Pistons and the Warriors have one, the Oklahoma City Thunder currently employs two – Lu Dort and Alex Caruso.

While Lu Dort is often associated with doing the dirty work, Caruso isn’t far behind with his style of play. Just last month, he had an intense moment against his former Lakers teammate, LeBron James. The two were involved in a back-and-forth spat on the court.

But despite the heated moment, the two competitors quickly patched things up after the game.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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