Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Thunder's Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace Make History in Game 7 Win

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Toran Flores | Last updated May 18, 2025 7:30 PM ET

In a highly anticipated Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets, it was looking like the Nuggets were going to put up a better fight through the first 12 minutes.

Once the Thunder were able to get rid of the Game 7 jitters, they took the lead with 10:58 in the second quarter and never looked back.

Thunder forward Jalen Williams was able to have a second quarter that blew up the close game, dropping 17 points in the quarter.

The final score ended up to be 125-93, and both teams pulled their starters in the fourth quarter.

Several other factors made the difference, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 35 points, a double-double from Chet Holmgren, and strong all-around performances from two key bench players.

Alex Caruso played 26 minutes in the game, and he contributed 11 points, three assists, three rebounds, and three steals.

Cason Wallace was another bench player who played 29 minutes, dropping seven points, three rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

Caruso, Wallace join Ginobili in Game 7 history off the bench

The bench combination of Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace has been crucial to the Thunder's success this postseason, and they shone bright in Game 7.

Caruso (+40) and Wallace (+38) finished with the two highest +/- off the bench in a Game 7 this century, according to StatMuse.

Highest +/- off the bench in a Game 7 this century:

+40 — Caruso
+38 — Cason
+32 — Ginobili pic.twitter.com/R5BQsPHiNq
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 18, 2025

Although it's hard to turn your eyes away from MVP-hopeful Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and other Thunder starters, joining a list that includes Hall of Famer Manu Ginobili is an impressive feat.

As the Thunder advanced in the playoffs to the Western Conference Finals, they will take on a Minnesota Timberwolves team that will be hungry for their first NBA Finals-bid in franchise history.

The two teams will begin the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday, May 20.

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

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