Spurs' Victor Wembanyama outduels Alex Caruso in Game 1 win

Caruso deflected the entry pass and Holmgren blocked Wembanyama's potential game-winner at the end of regulation to force overtime. In the first overtime, Caruso knocked away a lob pass at the rim to keep the game tied. In the second OT, Wemby made sure it didn't come down to the final play.

Alex Caruso nearly stole the game for OKC Thunder

Caruso's defense was world-class in the win, whether he was defending Wembanyama while giving up 11 inches of height, or helping the Thunder force 21 Spurs turnovers. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault sensed he needed Caruso early, bringing him off the bench after only 2:36 had elapsed.

What he couldn't have anticipated was Caruso pacing the Thunder with 31 points and single-handedly keeping his team competitive from behind the arc, shooting 8-for-14 as the other Thunder players went 9-for-31. Caruso was often matched up on Wembanyama on both offense and defense, exploiting Wemby helping off him to hit threes and sometimes beating Wembanyama to the rim.

Though watching Caruso go nuts from behind the arc might have inspired a game-saving shot from Wemby. After Caruso hit a three-pointer in overtime and Wembanyama couldn't score on an offensive rebound and tip-in, Wemby sank his lone three of the night from well behind the arc.

Wembanyama and the Spurs stole Game 1 and home-court advantage. It's up to SGA, Holmgren and, yes, Caruso to retake control of the series against an unreal 22-year-old center.