Oklahoma City Thunder: Alex Caruso Explains the Secret Behind the Team's Game 3 Comeback Win Vs. Memphis Grizzlies 1 Mar 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) returns to the sideline during a break against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City Thunder: Alex Caruso Explains the Secret Behind the Team’s Game 3 Comeback Win Vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 9:29 AM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a 26-point halftime deficit to secure a 114-108 win over the Memphis Grizzlies yesterday and are only one win away from advancing to the Western Conference semifinals.

Chet Holmgren scored 16 of his 24 points in the third quarter to spark Oklahoma City’s rally. The team outscored Memphis 74-41 after Ja Morant’s exit in the second quarter due to a hip contusion.

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s stifling defense held the Memphis Grizzlies to only 31 points on 9-for-36 shooting from the field and 13 turnovers after the halftime break. After the game, Alex Caruso praised his team for not giving up when things weren’t going their way.

Oklahoma City Thunder Take a 3-0 Advantage After Ja Morant's Exit 3 Dec 19, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) reacts after a play against the Orlando Magic in the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

“Our defense is our superpower,” Caruso said via ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “When we’re locked in on that side of the ball, we’re an unstoppable force. From there, momentum was on our side. That’s a dangerous thing in the playoffs.”

Alex Caruso gave the Oklahoma City Thunder a much-needed spark

Chet Holmgren gave the Oklahoma City Thunder the offensive boost it needed in the third quarter. However, Alex Caruso’s defense and experience put the nail in the coffin in the final quarter.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Alex Caruso Explains the Secret Behind the Team's Game 3 Comeback Win Vs. Memphis Grizzlies 3 Alex Caruso is pictured during the Thunder media day at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024.Credit: USA Today

The one-time NBA champion was all over the court, whether it was shutting down Jaren Jackson Jr. on the low block or flying by to contest John Konchar’s late three-point attempt and ending up with the game-clinching layup on the other end.

Caruso finished the game with 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, four steals, and one block on 4-for-7 shooting from the field in 23 minutes.