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Watch: Alex Caruso’s elite defense on Nikola Jokic

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By Titan Frey | Last updated May 20, 2025 11:20 AM ET

Alex Caruso’s elite defense makes him the type of player you want on your team. He’s a relentless worker, never shying away from the gritty plays that help a squad win.

Caruso can also be the player you hate to go up against. Just ask three-time MVP, Nikola Jokic.

In Game 7 vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jokic looked out of the game. He attempted only nine field goals, scoring just 20 points. In a Game 7!

This was unacceptable. For a player of Jokic’s level, he should have been more engaged in the game. So, why wasn’t he?

Two words: Alex Caruso.

The 2020 NBA champion was tasked to guard Jokic and it was Caruso’s elite defense that took Jokic out of the game. Caruso truly was the Batman to Jokic’s Joker.

What makes this even more amazing is that Caruso stands 6’5″ and weighs 186 pounds. In comparison, Jokic is 6’11” and 284 pounds.

Still, Caruso affected Jokic so much that he had the big man flopping all over the court. When this didn’t work, Caruso usually poked the ball away.

Watch Jokic this entire possession https://t.co/6zmP5IVwZ4 pic.twitter.com/nt88kr8mnY

— Fan (@undercoverNBA) May 18, 2025

Caruso’s elite defense may help OKC win the NBA championship. If this does happen, Caruso may start hearing GOAT chants, as he had in LA as a member of the Lakers.

After shutting down Jokic, he deserves those chants.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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