Jun 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) during the NBA Championship trophy presentation after game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

'There’s Obviously Room for Improvement' – Oklahoma City Thunder Star Sends Clear Reminder to the Team for 2025-26

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 1, 2025 2:55 PM ET

Alex Caruso reiterated during Media Day that the Oklahoma City Thunder have to be better than they were last season if they are to win their second consecutive Larry O’Brien crown.

The two-time NBA champion reflected on the Oklahoma City Thunder’s title run last season and pointed to their series against the Denver Nuggets and the Indiana Pacers, as it took them seven games each to advance past them.

“Other than the first (round) and conference finals, the other two series went seven games. So, there’s obviously room for improvement,” Caruso told ClutchPoints’ Josue Pavon. “If you come into the season thinking that it’s going to be smooth sailing, and it’s just going to be the same thing, we’d be really naive to what reality is like. Every season has a different story.”

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

“Every team writes a different story each season just based on how many games there are, the ebbs and flows of the season, injuries occur — things you can’t predict, things you can’t control. I think for us, it’s really just about seeing and finding ways to get better,” he added.

Oklahoma City Thunder News: Jalen Williams eyes bigger goal after winning first title and securing lucrative extension

Jalen Williams had a memorable summer, as he secured a massive rookie max extension after helping the Oklahoma City Thunder win the NBA championship last season.

Nov 8, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault and forward Jalen Williams (8) smile during a timeout against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

“We’re not playing for the TV games or the contracts. This is gonna sound really dramatic, but you really are chasing greatness,” Williams said. “You’re chasing to achieve stuff that hasn’t been done in our organization. And that’s everybody’s motivation. I think that’s why we’re such a special group.”

“The contract. Obviously, very nice. Very blessed to have that. It’s changed the trajectory of my family’s life, for sure. The championship is something that you, obviously, play for. But all of that is in the past,” he added. “Having my wrist surgery, I think, was a really good thing for me. It allowed me to be grounded and focus on that, and forget about the championship and everything else. But everybody’s trying to compete.”