Alex Caruso Refuses to Buy Into Any Spurs 'Narrative' After Thunder’s Season-Ending Loss

Instead of focusing on San Antonio’s rise, the star guard pointed to Oklahoma City’s own shortcomings in Game 7.

“We should’ve played better and won the game and been in the NBA Finals,” he added. “They’re a good team, they’re young. We’ll both probably be around for a while. But we’ve gotta get better and try and win next time.”

Given his comments, the former NBA champion understands how small the margin can be between advancing and heading home, especially in a seven-game series that featured several momentum swings.

Despite the disappointing finish, Caruso remained one of Oklahoma City’s most reliable contributors throughout the Western Conference Finals, averaging 14.9 points per game off the bench.

Alex Caruso Made Controversial Attempt On Stephon Castle

While the OKC Thunder and Spurs left everything on the floor in Game 7, one first-half sequence quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night.

Tensions rose when Spurs rookie Stephon Castle broke free in transition for what appeared to be an easy fast-break opportunity. Thunder veteran Alex Caruso chased him down from behind and delivered a hard foul that sent Castle crashing to the floor.

Castle immediately appeared frustrated after the play, while teammate Dylan Harper rushed over and wrapped an arm around him as players gathered around the scene. 

However, officials reviewed the play to determine whether it warranted a flagrant foul but ultimately ruled it a common foul, awarding Castle two free throws.

The decision quickly sparked backlash online. Many fans argued that the Oklahoma guard made little effort to play the ball and instead pulled Castle down while he was in the air.