Thunder Make Unfortunate Announcement One Day After Rockets Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 22, 2025 5:12 PM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s quest to repeat as NBA champions began on Tuesday with a thrilling win over the Houston Rockets. The Thunder retained much of the core around superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from last year’s NBA Finals run, including Alex Caruso, a versatile defensive guard now playing in his ninth season in the league.

The 31-year-old veteran appeared in 54 games last year for Oklahoma City, posting 7.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals while shooting 44.6% from the field and 35.3% from three-point range. Caruso has fit in tremendously for the Thunder, providing the group with elite defense off the bench. He finished eighth in Sixth Man of the Year voting in his first season in Oklahoma City.

During Tuesday’s win against the Rockets, Caruso logged 30 minutes, well above his averages, yet the game did reach double overtime. He collected eight points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals, helping the Thunder start the season strong.

Oklahoma City Thunder players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and Alex Caruso (9)Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

However, the Thunder made an unfortunate announcement regarding Caruso’s status just one day after. The team released a statement detailing Caruso suffered a concussion during the game and would be placed under concussion protocol.

“The Oklahoma City Thunder announced today that guard Alex Caruso sustained a concussion during yesterday's game versus the Houston Rockets and has been placed in the NBA's concussion protocol. Per the NBA's Concussion policy, Caruso will now begin the NBA-mandated Return-to-Participation Protocol. This process includes a series of steps designed to ensure an athlete exhibits symptom-free behavior before resuming basketball activities. There is no predetermined timetable to complete the protocol, as each injury and player is different and recovery time can vary in each case,” the team announced on a news release.

Caruso’s absence comes at a tough time for the Thunder, who are already shorthanded with Jalen Williams sidelined due to wrist surgery. The team’s frontcourt depth will be tested immediately, especially with a quick turnaround before Thursday’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers.

Caruso, a two-time All-Defensive selection, previously played for the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls before joining Oklahoma City last season. He won his second NBA championship with the Thunder in 2024, adding to his title with Los Angeles in 2020. Known for his defensive intensity and playoff experience, Caruso’s leadership will be missed as the Thunder navigate early-season adversity.

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

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